HANOVER - The Mah-Jong Shop, ‘Europe’s largest online shop for mahjong paraphernalia’, is for sale. Just some weeks after the famous American Mah-Jongg Cyber Museum announced a closing-down sale, Stephan Hilchenbach has decided to sell his mahjong business.

However, neither the closing down of the museum nor the sale of the Mah-Jong Shop is a result of the world-wide credit crises. Jim May, the owner of the museum, felt that the museum was taking too much of his 'quality time' he wanted to give to his family. In the case of Stephan Hilchenbach, his job as an IT-consultant is keeping him so busy that he does not have enough time left for the online shop.

Championship

Stephan started his business as a hobby in 2003. In 2005, he provided the tiles for the first European mahjong championship in Nijmegen. After that championship, mahjong spread at a fast pace all over Europe. Especially, the lovers of the new mahjong competition rules founded national organizations all over the continent. Also, since a couple of years, the interest in the Japanese riichi rules is increasing. The Mah-Jong Shop provided many of the mahjong players with new sets.

Stephan: “Yet, despite the very good prognosis, I have decided to sell the Mahjong shop and I hope to find a worthy successor.”