Building a successful Magic: The Gathering local game store (LGS) requires careful planning, community engagement, and a commitment to providing a positive gaming experience. Here are some steps to consider when building your LGS:

1. Define Your Vision: Clarify your goals and vision for your LGS. Determine the type of gaming community you want to create, the atmosphere you aim to foster, and the services you want to offer. This will help guide your decisions and actions throughout the process.
2. Location and Space: Find a suitable location for your LGS. Consider factors such as accessibility, foot traffic, parking availability, and the size of the space. Ensure the space can comfortably accommodate gaming tables, seating, storage for inventory, and a welcoming environment for players.
3. Inventory and Supplies: Stock a diverse range of Magic: The Gathering products, including booster packs, pre-constructed decks, singles, sleeves, playmats, and other gaming accessories. Keep up-to-date with new releases and expansions to meet the demands of your players.
4. Organize Events: Plan and host a variety of Magic events to attract players to your store. This can include Friday Night Magic (FNM), prerelease events, drafts, standard and modern tournaments, casual play nights, and other formats based on player preferences. Regularly update and promote your event schedule to keep players informed.
5. Engage the Community: Foster a welcoming and inclusive community by organizing events that cater to players of different skill levels and interests. Encourage players to provide feedback and suggestions to continually improve the gaming experience. Offer opportunities for players to connect and socialize, such as player meetups, leagues, and special events.
6. Knowledgeable Staff: Hire or train staff members who are knowledgeable about Magic: The Gathering and can assist players with rules, deck-building advice, and product recommendations. Friendly and helpful staff members contribute to a positive and supportive atmosphere in your LGS.
7. Organize Tournaments and Prizes: Host well-structured and fair tournaments with appropriate prize support. Ensure you have a clear understanding of tournament rules and regulations to create a competitive yet enjoyable environment. Consider offering unique or exclusive prizes to incentivize participation and create excitement among players.
8. Promote Your LGS: Utilize various marketing strategies to raise awareness about your LGS. This can include online advertising, social media presence, partnerships with local gaming groups or organizations, and collaborating with other businesses in the gaming industry. Actively engage with the Magic: The Gathering community both locally and online.
9. Provide a Comfortable Gaming Space: Create a comfortable and inviting gaming area with ample seating, well-lit tables, and a clean environment. Consider providing amenities such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and dedicated spaces for trading and deck-building.
10. Build Relationships with Distributors: Establish relationships with reputable distributors to ensure a consistent supply of Magic products. This will help you maintain inventory levels and provide timely access to new releases.

Remember, building a successful LGS takes time and effort. Continually evaluate and adapt your approach based on player feedback, changing trends, and the needs of your community. With dedication and a commitment to fostering a vibrant gaming community, your Magic: The Gathering local game store can thrive.