Serious question, I'm observing comic book stores morph into full-blown social spaces

Over the past several months, I've watched my neighborhood comic shop expand its role far beyond just racks of new releases. They now organize regular trivia contests, artist meet-and-greets, and even beginner-friendly drawing workshops. This isn't isolated; a friend in another state mentioned her local spot has begun hosting charity fundraisers and cosplay crafting circles. It strikes me that these spaces are intentionally cultivating a wider, more inclusive fan culture. I joined a recent trivia night and was amazed by the mix of lifelong collectors and newcomers drawn in by the lively atmosphere. This evolution feels like a deliberate move to anchor fandom in personal interaction amidst our screen-dominated lives. Honestly, it's refreshing to see these establishments thrive as gathering points rather than mere retail outlets. The sense of belonging they're building might just be the secret to keeping the comic community vibrant and growing.