Posted in: Comics | Tagged: diamond

Diamond Comic Distributors Calls on Retailers to #BackTheComeBack

Published Wed, 13 May 2020 11:14:29 -0500

Today, Diamond Comic Distributors sent out the below letter to comic book retailers for their #BackTheComeBack campaign, for distribution from Diamond to return to comic book stores from this coming Wednesday and beyond, stores-depending. Geppi previously stated that every store would have to make that call for themselves and the campaign is non-date specific. However, there's social media, hashtags and a website where folk can sign up for updates. And even order T-shirts,

Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors, Geppi Family Enterprises companies, today announced the launch of Back The ComebackTM, a multi-phased campaign focused on supporting local comic and game stores as they reopen, restart and rebuild. Centered around the rallying cry of, "Our Comeback Will Be Bigger Than Our Setback," Diamond and Alliance created the campaign in partnership with publishers and industry influencers to shine a light on the unique relationship consumers have with their local comic and game retailers while raising funds to support restart efforts.

"To say these last few months have been challenging would be an understatement," said Steve Geppi, Chairman and CEO, Geppi Family Enterprises. "I have heard from many retailers and everyone is excited about safely reopening, restarting and rebuilding. I truly believe that our comeback will be bigger than our setback and am excited to kick off this campaign in support of our industry and our retailers."

Back The Comeback launches today with a social media challenge. In a video message posted on Twitter via @backthecomeback, Facebook via backthecomeback as well as various YouTube channels, Steve Geppi challenges five friends to #BackTheComeback and post messages of support for their favorite comic or game store while asking their friends and fans to do the same. Viewers can visit backthecomeback.com for additional information including tools to help make their own social messages and a link to purchase campaign T-shirts. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will be distributed to charities that support comic and game stores.

The second phase of this campaign begins later this summer when Diamond International Galleries (DIG) launches a Back The Comeback charity auction. Steve Geppi has kicked off donations to the auction with items valued at approximately $50,000. The winning bidders will donate directly to one of three charities that support comic and game retailers and submit proof of donation to DIG to claim their item.

The third phase of this campaign focuses on in-store promotion. Alliance will offer weekly promotions to retailers and Diamond will partner with publishers to place the Back The Comeback logo on the cover of select comics to commemorate this time period and the emphasis on rebuilding. More information on these additional phases of the campaign will be released in the coming weeks.

"My hope is that Back The Comeback will reassure our retailers that our community is here to support them," said Steve Geppi. "I am proud to collaborate with industry colleagues on this campaign to spread the word about Back The Comeback so that together, our comeback will be bigger than our setback."

Back The Comeback is a multi-phase support effort Diamond and Alliance are spearheading in response to the global pandemic.