Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, diamond, entertainment, laughing ogre, phoenix

Phoenix/Laughing Ogre In Lansdowne, Virginia Closes

Published Thu, 11 Dec 2014 23:00:00 -0600

Last updated Fri, 12 Dec 2014 04:15:09 -0600

The closure of a comic store doesn't always make headline news.

This may be an exception, however, as Laughing Ogre in Lansdowne is owned and managed by Gary Dills, the retailer who stepped down from ComicsPRO as Treasurer over accusations of financial impropriety, that ComicsPRO told its members he had confessed to.

At the time I was asked by Diamond sources to keep an eye on his stores for fallout from the resignation. Laughing Ogre stores are in Lansdowne and Fairfax, Viginia and in Columbus, Ohio

They had a problem getting their comics delivered from Diamond Comic Distributors last week, with some delays this week. Also, the Virginia signing for the creative team behind Image Comics title Shutter had been cancelled. This could be consistent with unpaid bills to Diamond, including consignment deliveries for signings, but then it could also be comic retailer business as normal.

But now it has been announced that the Lansdowne store will be closed down. Their blog reports,

This week's new comics will still be available at BOTH Laughing Ogre Virginia locations as normal.

Our Lansdowne store will be closed as of Thursday, 12/18/14.

With our Lansdowne location losing it's lease next week in what can only be described as bad timing, our Fairfax and Ohio locations are still open and doing business as usual.

We are working through some logistical issues and appreciate your patience and patronage as we navigate through a difficult phase of our business.

For staff and customers alike, we hope for the smoothest navigation possible.

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