Having opened in 1979, Games by James is one of the longest lasting local toy stores in the Twin Cities. Because they have always been located in malls, a lot of people assume they are a national chain, but they are a home-grown brand, having been owned by two local families over the years. The shops carry every type of game from new releases to classics for strategy, family, and kids’ games. They also carry some toys and hobby materials. Twin Cities Toy Stores for Every Family Games by James stores have great selection and fair prices. When I wanted a specific game for my son for Christmas and could not find one online that would arrive on time, I called my local Games by James. They not only had one in stock but had it shipped to the nearest storefront for me within a couple days. Bonus, the price was lower than I was finding online. The sales associate that helped me was pleasant, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. The stores are always located in malls. If, like me, you prefer a boutique experience to mall shopping, I have found Rosedale to have less of a sensory overload than other malls in the area. In 1979, Jim Gabbert, owner of multiple retail centers and Gabbert’s furniture, founded Games by James. However, Glenn McKee, who was the first franchise owner, has opened and purchased many of the stores in the Twin Cities. While there are other franchise owners, McKee and his family own the shops at the Mall of America, Southdale Center, Rosedale Center and Ridgedale Center. They also have stores in St. Cloud and Eau Claire. The McKees also own Air Traffic stores. In 2019, Glenn’s son Logan McKee officially took over the reins of the business after growing up working in the stores. He reports that the game business is growing and the store has seen increases in sales year over year since the recession. Games by James stores are located in malls throughout the Twin Cities plus Saint Cloud and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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