Hygiene, Local Game Stores, and Hobby events

This is a touchy topic that doesn’t aim to shame anyone, but it’s a good topic to discuss because I received quite a few anonymous confessions about this. Keeping up and maintaining personal hygiene is important when it comes to visiting hobby stores or attending events.

Many people may not want to shop or attend events that are pungent. I have a high tolerance to smells and there have been times when I’d go to my local game store only to find the odor to be too much (BO, Cigarette, or weed smells). For people with greater sensory issues, this can put them off from coming permanently.

A lot of these stores do not have the space or great airflow to dispense any lingering smells. Not to mention that it’s not fair to the store owner or staff to deal with it fully entirely.

People may be dealing with mental health or physical health issues, and I get it. It can be difficult. Sometimes people are nose-blind to it all. I never realized how nose blind I was to the smell of cows until I went a good month or two between farm work. Sometimes it’s also diet-related.

Store or event staff may be unaware of how to deal with this issue. As a former educator who has dealt with shower-adverse teens, I advise gently pulling them aside and having an empathetic conversation.

If someone is struggling with homelessness or not having the resources needed then that opens up a healthy conversation to direct them to where they can go. A shelter, food bank, or other community sources. One of my locals keeps travel-sized hygiene supplies in the bathroom so that people can take what they need with no judgment.

Sometimes it might be clothes, old sneakers, or weather-related. People might smoke before coming in and that lingers. A/C’s may not be working or it’s hot or crowded.

A gentle conversation doesn’t hurt to have. It may be awkward, but often it can be helpful. If there’s no change, then it’s time to get stern with the talk. Some people may not care at all and need a firmer conversation. If it continues then I think it’s fair to ask them to leave until the problem is remediated.

I’ve seen several stores put up notes on the front door that discuss hygiene standards for the store. It’s professional and opens a comfortable environment for shoppers or attendees.

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