Wizards Enclave Brings New Ownership, Expanded Gaming Plans to Deer Park

Wizards Gaming, located at 113 N. Main Street in Deer Park, officially changed ownership on Sept. 1 and is now operating as Wizards Enclave, with Paul Celeri and William Hatfield taking over the business. For Celeri, the transition represents an opportunity to continue something he has already invested considerable time in. He had been managing the store for the previous six months and was involved when the business originally opened. Hatfield was also familiar with the business before becoming an owner. He was one of the store's first customers when it opened last year. “I have enjoyed gaming since I can remember,” Hatfield said, describing a lifelong interest that has included computer and console games, as well as traditional board games.

He recalled playing Atari and Nintendo as a young person before discovering Magic: The Gathering in 1995. Both owners said their passion for gaming was a major factor in deciding to take over the business. “I’ve been a fan of the game that draws the most people into our store since I was a kid in the 90s. My wife and I have always wanted to have our own game store,” Celeri said. Hatfield said owning a gaming and hobby store had been a goal of his for some time. “I enjoy the people that have a passion for gaming like myself.

Really owning a game store and hobby shop was on my bucket list,” Hatfield said. The ownership change also came at a time when the future of the store was uncertain. Celeri said the possibility of the store closing motivated him to look for a way to keep it operating. “It means a lot,” he said. “When I realized the store might close, I couldn’t let that happen to them without seeing if I could figure this out,” Celeri said of the local gaming community. The new owners decided to give the business a new name as part of the transition.

Celeri said the change was made in connection with establishing the new business licenses. “We wanted something familiar but something we could call our own,” Hatfield said. The word “Enclave” also reflects the owners' hopes for the store's future. “For us, the name ‘Wizards Enclave’ gives a sense of community, like the gamers in here are part of something together, an enclave of wizards,” Hatfield said. The owners said the store will retain its hours of noon to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and much of the existing layout and atmosphere will remain familiar. “We won’t be changing much, if at all, for the time being,” Celeri said. At the same time, the owners have plans to gradually expand what Wizards Enclave offers.

One of the biggest additions will be a greater emphasis on Warhammer 40K. The owners hope to establish Warhammer 40K Wednesdays and add related games and accessories to the store's inventory. They also plan to expand the store's 3D-printing capabilities, including both resin and filament printers. Hatfield said the owners hope to eventually take orders for 3D prints and make the service a larger part of the business.

Other plans include additional gaming nights, expanded product selection, new tournaments, and more opportunities for players who are unfamiliar with tabletop gaming. The store hosts a casual Magic: The Gathering night on Mondays and a Commander League on Thursdays. The Monday gathering provides a less competitive environment where newer players can learn and develop their skills, the owners said. The two also plan to introduce additional tabletop card and board games on Fridays.

Celeri said the store hopes to return to offering Magic Academy for younger and newer Magic players and would like to host Pokémon events for children. Hatfield said future plans could include Commander tournaments, Warhammer 40K events, tabletop game nights, barbecue and gaming events, and themed gatherings. The owners are also considering expanding the Magic: The Gathering tournament offerings with a Pauper Commander night designed to provide a lower-cost entry point for players.

The store's offerings extend beyond collectible card games. Hatfield said customers can find classic tabletop games such as CATAN, Pokémon, and Magic: The Gathering cards, sports cards, and comic books. The business also offers custom 3D-printing services, hand-painted fantasy miniatures and statues, live Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and handmade wooden items such as wizard staffs and wands. The owners said they want Wizards Enclave to be approachable for both experienced gamers and those who are completely new to the hobby.

Hatfield said the welcoming atmosphere is one of the things he hopes will distinguish the store. “Wizards Enclave is chock full of friendly people, from the owners to the regular patrons. Walking into a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere is something we are happy to offer,” he said. Both owners emphasized that the store is intended to be a place where people of different ages can gather, play games, and build friendships. “We want this to be a safe space for the kids in our community, a fun place for adults, and a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the games and hobbies they love,” Celeri said.

Hatfield said the store can provide an alternative recreational opportunity in a smaller community such as Deer Park, particularly for people who otherwise might have to travel to Spokane to find a gaming community. For Celeri, the store's importance is ultimately tied to the people who have supported it. “We wouldn’t be here without them, and appreciate everyone who has been a part of this during the last year. We are keeping this alive for them,” Celeri said. Hatfield said the support from local gamers during the transition has been especially meaningful.

“The local gaming community of Deer Park and the surrounding areas have shown such overwhelming support to me and Paul to keep the store open; it really has warmed our hearts,” Hatfield said. Looking ahead, the owners have ambitious goals for their first year. Celeri said, “I’d love to double our player base, and show more people why the ones who do, keep coming back.” Hatfield said, “I am most excited about the things Paul and I have imagined for the store as we begin this new chapter in our lives.

We get to be a part of people's lives, make new friends, laugh, and enjoy the company of good people.” Celeri said his favorite part of owning the store may be the friendships that come with it. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do; being able to finally have it means a lot to me, and the friends I’ve made here mean the world to us,” Celeri said. For those who have never visited, Celeri offered a simple invitation, “If you’re into nerdy stuff, come check us out.” Hatfield offered a similar message to both longtime customers and newcomers. “Welcome in,” he said. “Every time someone walks through our doors, our goal is to make them feel right at home.”