That’s Entertainment

Worcester, United States

4.6

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 508-755-4207
Website:
www.thatse.com
Address:
244 Park Ave, Worcester, MA, 01609
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.3 miWorcester
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking
No
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Dogs Allowed
No

Today

Today 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Worcester) 2:57 PM Thursday, November 28, 2024

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Description

Specialties

A giant Pop-​Culture Emporium featuring an amazing range of vintage and modern collectibles and entertainment items for all ages: Comics, Video Games, MTG, Board Games, Toys, Vinyl Records, RPG, Sports Cards, Autographs, Japanese Imports, Posters, and more!

Whatever your special interests among the various genres, you can connect with a knowledgeable specialist who shares your enthusiasms! And we have been dealing in nostalgia for so long that people often get nostalgic about us!

Our perfect sale is when a whole family files in, fans out into their areas of interest, holds up their finds to each other, then meets back at the register with their final selections! And whenever we can somehow come up with that elusive item based on a long-​ago memory, we get a vicarious thrill.

History

Established in 1980.

The store was first opened by Paul Howley in 1980 at a small location on Chandler Street in Worcester. In 1992, the original That’s Entertainment store was moved to its present location, a very large retail and events space on Park Avenue in Worcester.

In 1997, That’s Entertainment received a «Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award» from Comic-​Con International: San Diego. The worldwide award recognizes «an individual retailer who has done an outstanding job of supporting the comics art medium both in the community and within the industry at large».

In March 2011, That’s Entertainment petitioned the Worcester City Council to change the name of the private street running alongside the store from Marmon Place to Lois Lane. The Worcester Telegram opined that the proposed name was a good match for That’s Entertainment «which, among many things, is in the superhero comic book business.» In August 2012, the petition was approved and the new sign was installed Friday, December 28, 2012.

Meet the Manager

Ken C.

Manager

I began shopping at That’s Entertainment soon after it opened on Chandler Street in 1980. In those days, that little store was almost entirely focused on comic books, with small sections of cards, toys and records. I was deep into comics. Owner Paul Howley called it «The Friendly Comic Shop», and that impressed me from the start. I also couldn’t believe how many key old comics were displayed behind the counter, all looking pristine in their shiny mylars!

In 1991 I was out of work, and Paul gave me some hours at both locations (Worcester & Fitchburg). In 1992, we all moved to the BIG store on Park Ave., and we thought we’d never fill it! in 1999 Paul offered me the job of manager. I’m proud to be part of a unique business in a cookie-​cutter world!

MANY talented people played key roles between 1980 and today. As times changed, we grew and adapted. The store became a «Pop-​Culture Emporium”– but I always keep Paul’s original idea of «The Friendly Comic Shop» in mind in everything we do!

That’s Entertainment also recommends

Vantage Printing

Ken C. says,

«Great services and prices»

Related places

You might also consider:
1
mi
The Classic Toy Shop
198 Park Ave
1
mi
Lincoln Stamp & Coin
372 Chandler St Ste 101
1.1
mi
Ralphco
50 Gardner St
1.9
mi
Button Tree Kids
1102 Pleasant St
3
mi
Gamestop
535 Lincoln St
3.3
mi
Coco’s Closet
252 Lake Ave

Vicinity

Near this location:
40
ft
Image Autobody
240 Park Ave
60
ft
Endodontics of Worcester
255 Park Ave Ste 303
100
ft
Jelly’s Discs
246 Park Ave
140
ft
AutoZone
248 Park Ave
160
ft
Medical Express
237 Park Ave
160
ft
Doctor Is In
237 Park Ave

20 reviews of That’s Entertainment

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Northborough, MA
This place just has everything. It’s a very large place, but it’s as full as a lot of small comic book shops I’ve seen (and that’s a good thing!). Basically, any nerdy thing you need is probably here. It’s all very well organized and I never have problem finding what I’m looking for. Well, maybe when I’m sifting through back issues of comics it’s a little tricky, and their used graphic novels aren’t ordered in a very clear way, but this is a minor complaint about a really great store.
The only reason I didn’t add the fifth star is because it can get a little crowded and take a little bit to be helped at the register. And there’s hardly any parking if you come at a busy time. My last complaint is that you can really only trade in old manga and comics if a particular staff member happens to be there.
But all in all, this place is amazing and you should check it out immediately :)
Place rating: 2
Worcester, MA
Great place to go and spend an afternoon browsing. I could spend hours there. The prices are unbeatable and all of the nostalgic memorabilia brings me to my youth. I have been going there since high school to fuel my comic book addiction.
The only complaint I have would be some of the staff members are rude and tend to be dismissive to customers. On my last visit I had to hear the young lady at the counter (younger person with black hair) talk about «how bad her life sucks» and how mad she was that she had to help her friend buy a ring for his girlfriend. I had made several trips to the counter to ask questions about something and had to wait until she was done complaining about her life.
I was going to buy a large item that was on display (among other things) yet I could not seem to get her to care. The majority of the staff that I have gotten assistance from are great but unfortunately one really poor employee will ruin the whole experience. I hope that the owner (s) realize that in this day and age that I can get anything in their store online from somewhere else, but go to brick and mortar stores for the experience and customer service.
I still love the store and will continue to shop their as long as that employee has a day off. I would not think twice about leaving if she was there again.
Place rating: 5
Plainville, CT
Was recommended to this place by a few friends and I was not disappointed. The second I walked in I was overwhelmed, in a good way. Comics, records, games, movies, toys, sports memorabilia… they got it all. And everything was reasonably priced! Comics I’ve seen people selling for $ 50 or more I bought here for a fraction of that. Got A LOT of comics and spend under $ 100. If I lived in the area I would definitely come more often. I will be back, though!
Place rating: 4
Seymour, CT
This place was definitely a huge silver lining to what was otherwise a dismal trip to northern CT/​MA. Even though I went close to closing time on a weekend (8 pm, I believe) I still had close to an hour to peruse the store and I will say for sure that 1 hour is not enough browsing time! This place seems small from the outside, especially since the sign is very small and I accidentally passed this place at first and had to turn around and back track a bit. I was thankfully able to find a suitable gift for my nerdy stepdad without breaking the bank (which was a hard task since there were so many cute animé and other themed goodies there that caught my eye at any given moment). I didn’t muster up the courage to ask for help, but the staff did seem personable and eager to help. I definitely would love to go back some day if I’m in the area and have plenty of time to spare. If you’re a comic book fan, then by all means, check this place out since they have pretty much an ocean of comic books!
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
I always find the most random, awesome things here. I have also traded in games/​collectables a handful of times, and they are extremely fair with their purchasing prices and knowledgeable about the items. They don’t try to rip you off or take advantage of your lack of knowledge about the items you are trying to sell. The staff is also extremely friendly and down to earth. I’ve lived here 8 years, have gone here a few times every few months, and have never once had anything less than a great experience.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Best collectible store of all time, I get all my PlayStation and Genesis games here. Great for magic the gathering (they hold tournaments), records, comics, u name it they got it!
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
Excellent selection of merchandise, if you’re into video games, comics, animé, board games, old school action figures, basically anything fun like that, this is the place to go. I liked that they had signs encouraging customers to keep things «G Rated» as plenty of kids frequent the store as well.
Place rating: 4
Charlton, MA
Stopped by last week after hitting up Jelly’s next door hoping to pick up some additional albums. Came here looking strictly for vinyl so I’m reviewing TE for that fact alone. Decent selection of used LPs but not a ton; primary focus seems to be on new vinyl. Prices were a little all over the place compared to other area stores and online auction/​marketplace sites, with most of the newer stuff being available cheaper elsewhere. I’ll stop by from time to time to see what they get in for used goodies. Try to support a local biz if I can.
Place rating: 5
Marlborough, MA
I spend at least an hour in here everytime I go and I feel like I’m still leaving having missed some gem. They have so many cool things. If you have a nerd or otaku side, just do yourself a favor and swing through here. I usually check back every couple of weeks to, because they restock quite often. I buy so many knick knacks from them, I’m running out of shelf space.
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
What can anyone say bad about this place? The single best place around to get your geek on. New comics, back issues, used dvd’s, video games, gaming supplies, they have it all, and a super friendly staff. Wonderful place.
Place rating: 5
Brookline, MA
I am not a comic book nerd. Ive actually never really read any comics even as a kid. I am however a HUGE Wonder Woman fan, but mostly of the show from the 70s. I recently decided to read the Wonder Woman comics as well as the new Jem and the Holograms comic books (another favorite show from my childhood) so I discovered That’s Entertainment and decided to go explore them.
I didn’t have high expectations when I decided to go check this store out. I was on the hunt for some George Perez Wonder Woman comics from the 80s. I was pleasantly surprised. This comic book store is HUGE that you really need a good hour or more to explore this store. They even have a game room where I think they hold Magic gatherings (whatever those are).
There are tons of old Nintendo games that the DH explored for a bit. Lots of toys and collectibles. And comics for days. They even sell records. I found some special WW graphic novels as well as almost every single Perez issue of WW. Also the new Jem and the Holograms comic book too.
This will be a monthly visit place for me to stock up on the latest comics I am currently reading. Check it out if you are ever in the area. Its not to be missed.
Place rating: 5
Bristol, CT
One of the few places registered with wizards of the coast for Friday Night Magic in Worcester.
Looks small from the outside but is surprisingly large once you step in (which I recommend you do)
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
LOVE this store! Great comic book selection and it’s a lot of fun just to walk around and see all the cool things they have. Friendly staff, probably go every other week (only because it is too easy to buy all the things!)
Place rating: 5
Fitchburg, MA
The great part about this shop is that they buy used games, got rid of my PS2 games here and looking to unload my PS3 games soon. A great big comic book store compared to their Leominster location, take any selection of anything, multiply by 10, and that is the volume of this store. Luckily your close to my work… where they think I’m an adult who doesn’t read comic books: D
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
This place is awesome, tons of good finds. My 7 year old could spend all day in here and so could I!!!
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
By far the best place with employees that care, listen, and happy to help you at all times… truly a pillar in the community… love coming to the store and bringing my kids… they always find 1 – 20 things that they want to bring home… been goin here since 1988 at the chandler at location… owner was always inviting and eager to help even if we were just looking. Goin in today to find something for my daughters birthday!
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
Great place to pick up Magic cards and tabletop games! Role-​playing books are regularly cheaper than Amazon.
Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA
Easily my favorite store in not just Worcester, but the entire state of Massachusetts. I love this store. I stop in every paycheck to pick up comics but its so difficult not to leave with more than that. As a comic book/​movie/​music/​TV/​sports/​wrestling/​toy/​video game/​soda nerd (did I miss anything?), this place is perfect for me.
The staff is all very friendly and knowledgable. I love chatting with them and consider many of them to be my friends. Like the finest sitcoms, I cant think of a better group of people assembled together in one place. Always helpful and never annoyed with all my requests. Thanks guys!
The warehouse aspect is also amazing. I always notice something that I’ve never noticed before. I love walking up and down the aisles trying to take everything in. Its nearly impossible and always exciting. I always remember something I forgot to look for after I leave because theres so much great stuff to look at.
Its become a ritual for me to come here on my day off every week but if I could, I would come in every day. One of the finest hours of my week are when I drive over to Lois Lane and hear that bell ring as I open the door to That’s Entertainment. I hope that never changes
Place rating: 5
Westborough, MA
Just came back from a Board Game Night — my second one with That’s E! so far. I love the events they put on, and their prices are generally reasonable.
Selection and staff knowledge is another reason to go here, too. I love that I find new and different books and graphic novels that I don’t see elsewhere.
If I were a vinyl collector (an LP player would help that) I would be in a certain layer of heaven here.
Place rating: 2
Hudson, MA
This is a review from the mother of a 13 year old. For customer service and attentiveness, I’d give it a 4 star — you can’t judge a book by its cover, and if you can look past the piercings, tattoos and dress code, you will be pleasantly surprised at the care and professionalism the staff puts into the clientele.
BUT, the place is cluttered, and dusty, and it can be overwhelming. And if you can’t overcome the seedy demeanor of patrons — in particular the creepy guy with his hand in his pocket while he touched his jewels while staring at the «adult» comic covers… you really have to give parental supervision to you child.
It has tons of memorabilia in print or music, vintage games and toys. However, it needs to come with its own warning, and it makes me uncomfortable to let my teenager on his own to venture in. I had to have a «parental discretion» chat… and lots of germ killing lotion…