Customers appreciate the familiarity of Globe News, a newspaper and magazine shop that has been part of the Superior landscape for more than 60 years. But even regulars are surprised when they step off their beaten path and really explore the store.
"We carry a little of everything," said Kelly Madsen, who's been working at Globe's front counter for 25 years. There are video games and souvenirs, comics and collectibles, candy and tobacco, music CDs, books and DVDs.
The publications available are extensive, from mainstays like the New York Times to Irish, English and French newspapers.
"That always has been the bread and butter here," said Tom Unterberger, who owns the shop with his wife, Jill. The Superior man enjoys sitting down with a cup of coffee and newspaper to start the morning. The self-professed news junkie said he appreciates the European papers Globe carries, which offer a global slant.
"The view of American politics is much different from what you get here," Unterberger said.
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Magazines available at Globe News run the range from Popular Science and People to British music magazines, Q and Uncut and niche publications like The Doctor Who Magazine or Ugly Things, a magazine that chronicles obscure 50s bands.
"(Tom) carries it every time it comes out," said Bob Landfield, who works at the Vinyl Cave nearby. "That would put them in select company in my opinion."
When the Unterbergers bought the store 29 years ago, you could make a living on magazines, souvenirs and greeting cards. With the rise of internet news, less print media was available, so the store adapted.
"We've expanded into all the things I'm interested in," said Tom Unterberger. He introduced collectible coins, vintage comics, music CDs and sports cards into the mix. The card corner, which carries the items, now accounts for half the store's business. Unterberger keeps his eye on the trends, from Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh to today's hottest seller, Magic the Gathering cards.
"We've become much more of a collectibles destination," Unterberger said. The inventory includes millions of sport cards, thousands of music CDs, thousands of comics. In addition, Globe is the only store in the Twin Ports to offer Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh singles.
Erik Evans of Superior has been stopping by the shop to pick up Magic cards since 2005. He appreciated the store's location.
"When I was young I would always walk over, ride my bike over," he said. The prices are good and the selection is great.
"There's something here for everybody," said Evans.
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And everything they sell, they buy, Unterberger said. The store purchases used books, CDs, DVDs, cards, coins, comics and more.
Every day of the year the store owner meets customers who discovered something new at the store. And they usually buy something. Along with their selection, they are sure to get a smile.
"The people I work with are fantastic and the people I work for are fantastic," Madsen said. "They're more like friends than bosses."
Whether you're a regular or have never set foot in Globe News, which has been on the corner of Tower Avenue and Belknap Street since the 1940s, chances are it carries something you'll like. You can browse the wide range of items during store hours, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
