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Comic and Gaming Industry Responds to Californian Wildfires

Published Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:00:50 -0500

Diamond Comic Distributors and other comic book store organisations have been issuing a number of statements and support programmes to comic book stores in the wake of Californian wildfires, as strong winds have triggered more wildfires in the south of the state.

Fires across California over the past week have led to mass evacuations and power cuts as Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state-wide emergency. The National Weather Service has now issued rare "extreme red flag" warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. And energy supplier Pacific Gas & Electric has cut off power to nearly 400,000 more homes as a precaution against damaged power cables starting more fires.

"As we saw the first news reports of the fires online and on television, we began formulating our plans to help retailers, as we have done in the past," said Diamond's Executive Director of Retailer Services, Nance Romer. "The comics and games communities have always made it a priority to rally around peers whose lives and businesses are impacted by these types of catastrophes."

Comic book distributor Diamond and gaming distributor Alliance, both part of the Geppi Family of businesses, have stated they will work with affected retailers on a case-by-case basis to help them recover and resume operations, with potential support including holding shipments, cancelling orders, working with suppliers to provide free goods and extending payment terms.

"So far we've heard from a few stores in the affected areas, and are working to reach the others," said Romer. "We're asking that all retailers who were affected by the wildfires to contact us as soon as possible so we can assess their situations and see how we can help."

UPS has announced that its services, including scheduled pickup, delivery and On-Call Pickup Services are delayed or may be suspended in the affected areas. Local conditions will also continue to affect scheduled hours at UPS Customer Centers.

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation may also be able to help store owners and employees with expenses related to the recent wildfires and power outages.

If the store has to close or business is so slow (due to evacuations, fires, and/or loss of electricity) that you cannot pay the store rent or utilities. Binc may be able to pay rent and utility expenses on your behalf. If a retailer misses 50% of scheduled weekly work hours, Binc may be able to help with personal household expenses if this missed income causes financial hardship. And if a retailer needs to relocate to temporary housing with power for emergency reasons (medical condition, elderly household members, infant, etc.), Binc may be able to help pay for temporary lodging and supplies. Affected retailers can email help@bincfoundation.org or call 8667339064.