Comic Fusion’s success rooted in online sales
By Pamela Sroka-Holzmann, CN Staff Writer
For those working in the corporate world and wanting to be the envy of the office, Comic Fusion provides the right trinkets, gadgets and toys to keep a desk entertaining.
The comic book shop initially started as a Web site in August 2003 when co-owner Bill Meccia was looking for a fall-back job after working for years in the field of information technologies programming. His business partner, Stacy Korn of Raritan Township, was hoping to develop and design an online operation that focused on selling independent comics that can be hard to find in rural or suburban areas such as Hunterdon County.
After the pair generated enough interest and income from the online operation, they opened a physical store five years ago on Main Street. Inside, there are thousands of comic books on display, ranging from superheroes to science fiction television icons to children's characters, as well as works by such authors at Stephen King adapted into comics.
"We have everything from A to Z -- aliens to zombies," Meccia said.
The store also is fully stocked with bobble-head dolls, action figures, coin banks, statues and stuffed animals called "plushies." Popular trading cards, such as Magic, Pokemon and World of Warcraft, also stock the shelves.
Korn said customers flock to the store from all areas in search of quirky gift items and collectibles. Choices range from $1 coin machine bouncy balls to an $800 diorama of an alien warrior maquette. The store also offers a similar amount of services that range from pre- and special orders, subscriptions and expedited shipping.
Comic Fusion also participates annually in the nationwide Free Comic Book Day with this year's event planned for May 1. It recently expanded its Wonder Woman Day into a Super Hero Weekend in late October. Pete Marston, the son of William Moulton Marston, who created the Wonder Woman character, has visited the event regularly, Korn said.
The two-day event also features appearances by local artists, raffles and an auction of drawings of comic book characters. Proceeds are donated to SAFE in Hunterdon, a nonprofit agency that provides free and confidential services that include crisis intervention, housing, legal advocacy and counseling to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The store is open seven days a week.
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