Type of Business: Video game sales, trades and repairs

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Location:  381 N. Golden State Blvd.

Contact Information: 209-667-8214

Specialty: Classic video games

When his children continuously asked him to buy video games for them 25 years ago, Ziggy Star decided to take matters into his own hands. Faced with the expensive prices of games and their consoles, Star began selling and trading his own video games at flea markets and at his own small, modest location on Lander Avenue. As his inventory grew, he opened up shop on Golden State Boulevard. Ziggy’s Video Game Exchange has called the site home ever since, catering to the video game sale, trade and repair needs of the Turlock community.

All of the games at Ziggy’s are used, allowing customers to purchase their entertainment at an affordable price. Games start at $5, but according to Star, some collectible games have sold for over $500. Trade-ins are welcome, too, even for games that have been purchased at Ziggy’s.

“If you buy a game and beat it or don’t like it, you can trade it in for another game for $3,” said Star.

Games available at Ziggy’s range from classic Atari games of the past to newer, modern games for current consoles, like the Xbox One. According to Star, most video game stores around town only sell games from up to five years ago.

“It’s hard to compete with them, but I’ve been through it from Atari to Xbox One,” said Star.

The shop also offers repairs on video games, video game consoles and DVDs. Repairs can range in price from $5 to $100, depending on the repairs needed.

What sets Ziggy’s apart from other video game stores is its reasonably-priced, laid-back atmosphere and Star’s closeness to his customers. Star explained that he enjoys getting to know his customers and learning what they like so that he can better help them choose a video game that they will enjoy.

“The other stores are more high-end, but I’m really casual here,” said Star. “I have people come in with their kids who came and bought from me when they were kids, so that’s awesome to see.”