Arkain Hobbies and Games celebrate two years in Ingersoll

Arkain Games & Hobbies Owner Kyron Slazar Celebrates the shop's 2 Year Anniversary. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

A local hub for gamers and hobbyists marked a milestone this month as Arkain Hobbies and Games located at 11 King St W, downtown Ingersoll, celebrated its second anniversary on Dec. 1.

Owned by Ingersoll native Kyron Slazar, Arkain has quickly become a gathering place for board game enthusiasts. Reflecting on the shop’s journey, Slazar noted how much both the business and the town of Ingersoll have grown over the past couple years.

“There was a time where we just had a lot of empty lots,” Slazar recalls. “Around the time I was opening, there was like a resurgence, where all these empty buildings just finally started filling up. It’s great.”

The shop carries a wide variety of board games, playing cards, and tabletop essentials, offering something for casual players and seasoned gamers alike.

“We’re the only board game store in Oxford County,” Slazar also shared, highlighting Arkain’s unique role in the region.

What truly sets Arkain apart, however, is its welcoming play space. Tables are set up throughout the shop, allowing customers to sit down and enjoy games with friends right in-store. That atmosphere has drawn visitors from well beyond town limits. “We have people come in from Waterford, St. Thomas, London and the Toronto area,” said Slater.

Arkain regularly hosts game nights and special events, helping to foster a strong sense of community. Slazar recalled last year’s New Year’s Eve celebration as a standout moment. “We had probably about 50 to 60 people in and out throughout the night,” he said. “I thought we were going to have to turn people away.” The popular event is set to return again this year.

With its growing popularity, Slazar admits the shop has “definitely outgrown the space.” Plans are already underway to move Arkain Hobbies and Games to a larger location in the coming year, allowing even more room for events, games, and the expanding community that has formed around the store.

As Arkain enters its third year, Slazar remains grateful for the support from Ingersoll and beyond; support that has helped turn a local passion into a thriving community space.