Shop Preview: MTG-Asia / Asianmagickards (HobbySG)

MTG-Asia

Store Venue: 
Main Store: 135 Middle Road #02-19 Bylands Building

Nearest Train Station(s): Bugis MRT (EW12) (5 minutes walk), Bras Basah MRT (EW12) (5 minutes walk)

Branch / Event Centre: 1A Aliwal Street, Chenn Leonn Building S'pore 199894

Nearest Train Station(s): Nicoll Highway MRT (CC5) (5-6 mins walk), Bugis MRT (EW12) (10 minutes walk)

Bus  Services:
Alighting at Beach Road: 100, 107, 961, 980, 107M, 961C
Alighting at North Bridge Road: 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197

Mural in the Event Centre. Designed by Toshi

Operating Hours:
Sun - Thurs, 1pm to 9pm (extended with events)
Friday and Sat, 1pm to 10pm (extended with events)

Online Store: http://www.asianmagickards.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mtgasiaeventcentre


Events @ MTG Asia Event Centre:

• Monday Legacy
• Tuesday Modern
• Wednesday Night Standard
• Friday Night Magic [FNM] Standard / Drafts
• Saturday EDH Event

This was the first shop I went when I started MTG. It used to be located near Parkway Parade, before shifting to Upper Serangoon Road, and later to the current locations at Middle Road (Main branch) and Aliwal Street (Event Centre).

When deciding which Local Game Store to frequent, I would consider the following factors as priority; location, space, card stocks, community and other amenities around the shop like food places or other places of interest. Hence, the main factor that I would frequent to MTG-Asia is primarily its location. Throughout its history in location, it's relatively closer to the east side of Singapore, which is a good thing for me because, well, I stay at the east too.

Actually if you look at the maps it's more central than east, which this brings me to another point. It is not easy to find a spacious shop located near the city area with affordable rent. While the main branch at middle road is relatively small as it serves as the Headquarters and a local pick-up point for orders and purchases, the Event Centre at Aliwal Street is fully air-conditioned and spaciously capable to seat comfortable about 60 people without much squeeze.

Speaking of Aliwal Street and Middle Road, the shops are actually located very near to other amenities such as shopping centres and popular eating places such as Bugis Junction, Bugis+ and Bugis Street and Eatplaylove Cafe.

Another point why I would recommend you should visit MTG-Asia is the affordability of cards and their prices in the buylist. At first glance, the card prices are relatively on the high end, especially for the staples. However, they have a membership privilege program, which entitles regulars discounts and rewards. So factoring that, the prices would be cheaper if you buy more regularly from them.
Plus, do note that most of their stock are considered premium cards; you can find cards that are relatively rare or hard to find outside. If you are looking for some foils or cards in other languages (and foiled!), for me, this is the best bet as the first stop! Also, the store does take in overseas orders! So just click on the link I have provided above and start ordering! I think that is a unique point of the shop that I should highlight; not many LGS are willing to go through the postage hassle and offer cards for sale internationally.

MTG-Asia host a variety of events to cater to the many groups of people. The shop owners and the regular community is also another factor. Most of the people who frequents to the place are seasoned players with years of experience playing various formats. They are also very friendly and willing to teach new players (and relatively new players like me!) if approached. To me, that's one of the factors, which would not only draw new players, but that is a retention factor as well.

This concludes my shop preview article. I do hope that you find this article informative and enough reason why you should head down to MTG-Asia. If you do get the chance, drop by MTG-Asia for a visit!

As usual, comments and feedback are welcomed!