By Samuel Philpot
BAY CITY – 24 years is a long time for a business to be open, especially a small business owned by one person.
Cashman’s Comics has been a comic book refuge in Bay City for the last 24 years and it’s all thanks to their loyal customers. Because of that, the owner, John Cashman, likes to celebrate.
Though many come out to the celebration for the sales prices, there’s plenty who come for the food and camaraderie as well.
“There’s my famous slow cooked barbecue chicken – which I start the day before so it has a full 24 hours to cook – sale prices on the comics, and I may bring back some contests for a gift certificate,” says Cashman.
Cashman went on to explain how this event usually becomes a class reunion. As he’s been around for so long, he’s watched his customers grow up and move to various areas. For this event, though, plenty are willing to make the drive back to Bay City.
“I’ve been going there since I was a kid,” says Lucas Paveglio, frequent Cashman’s customer. “I think that’s why it works – he has huge customer loyalty. He donates to libraries and I know that he has some customers that aren’t so mobile, so he’ll hand-deliver their comics.”
Paveglio went on to say how Cashman looks out for his loyal customers. Knowing Paveglio is a huge fan of Spider-Man, Cashman will hold comics that Paveglio might want when a collection comes across his table.
“I don’t do this for people to buy stuff; I do it so people can meet other collectors,” says Cashman. “And that’s usually what happens. People just hang out and they talk about books and they go down memory lane […] and it’s a great way for people to network. It’s old-school social media.”
Though July 1 is technically the day Cashman’s Comics opened, he prefers to celebrate all year. With next year being Cashman’s big silver anniversary, we can anticipate another fantastical celebration. Be sure to check out Cashman’s frequent sales and their next big event, Free Comic Book Day, in May.
