Hi, I’m Maria Bartholdi, MTG Caster and Content Creator. Today, I’m visiting my hometown WPN Premium Store, Lodestone Coffee and Games.

<p>Two years ago, the Wizards Play Network rolled out the WPN Premium designation for best-in-class stores, with a vision of uplifting stores across the network. Let’s talk how your store can achieve WPN Premium with the Path to WPN Premium process.</p>

<p>WPN Premium means quality, but that looks different for every store. The Game Parlour in San Francisco leans in on its chic board game café polish.</p>

<p>DouLe YiZhong in Taiwan goes all out as a grand tournament hall. Living Realms in England polishes merchandising to perfection.</p>

<p>Reaching WPN Premium means realizing the best possible version of your store.</p>

<p>What is Path to Premium? It’s a process and a toolkit, designed to grow your business and so you can reach WPN Premium. It all starts with your dedicated development specialist, who is eager to learn about your business and work with you to form an actionable plan.</p>

<p>Our first tip, apply right now! Rather than put the finishing touches on your store, align early with your specialist about what’s needed to become WPN Premium—and save yourself some guesswork!</p>

<p>Time and time again, retailers say pushing for Premium was incredibly worthwhile. Your dedicated specialist is committed to seeing you grow and will work with you to make it happen.</p>

<p>For example, Retail Improvement Grants cover up to half the cost of an in-store improvement. Available in select countries, these grants have catapulted numerous stores to WPN Premium.</p>

<p>Plus, you’ll get to talk through the results of our secret shopper program with your specialist and get an unbiased look at every aspect of your store.</p>

<p>The Wizards Play Network is fully committed to WPN Premium. Dedicated teams around the globe, investments in grants, and a toolkit of resources exist to ensure it grows. And that support is matched by benefits for those who achieve WPN Premium, including exclusive events and products.</p>

<p>Only WPN Premium locations get top billing in the Store & Event locator and can run Commander Parties. There are seasonal and yearly benefits with plenty of flexibility.</p>

<p>Brute Force Games in San Diego chose this epic wall treatment, while other stores opted for life-sized Chandra Statues.</p>

<p>The benefits and quality jump of reaching WPN Premium lead to a measurable increase in play metrics. WPN Premium stores outstrip the competition with a 22% increase in tickets.</p>

<p>Since WPN Premium was announced, hundreds of stores around the globe have joined. Their crisp and consistent branding, dedication to quality, and desire to constantly improve have elevated the entire network.</p>

<p>Now it’s your turn. Start on your Path to WPN Premium and apply today!</p>

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The Path to WPN Premium toolkit is a valuable resource you can use to help you prepare your WPN Premium application. Be sure to reach out to your Retail Development Specialist with any questions.

Remember, there is no limit to who can apply for WPN Premium. We encourage all WPN members to take the leap: start your WPN Premium application today to begin your store's journey along the Path to WPN Premium.