The owner of the hobby store in town (Hobbyland, Bloomington IL) decided it's time to retire, but instead of simply closing the store down, he decided to see if he could find a buyer to keep it going. I just talked to him today, and it sounds like someone's come along to keep the place in business! With so many other hobby stores closing down, it's always nice to hear that there are still some who want to keep the brick and mortar stores alive.
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PS. I hope the new owner does well.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Yea, this one won't be long for pg. 2, Darth. Now, if you had posted something that mentioned the demise of the brick 'n mortar LHS...or high prices...or the death of MRRing....THEN you'd have something worthy to remain on pg. 1.
In all seriousness, that's great news to hear about your LHS...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstageYea, this one won't be long for pg. 2, Darth. Now, if you had posted something that mentioned the demise of the brick 'n mortar LHS...or high prices...or the death of MRRing....THEN you'd have something worthy to remain on pg. 1.
All the brick and mortar hobby stores are closing because of high prices! Model railroading is doomed! Oh no! Anger! Panic! Pointless complaining! Sarcasm! Argh! >slaps self< Ok, I'm done.
Darth Santa FeAll the brick and mortar hobby stores are closing because of high prices! Model railroading is doomed! Oh no! Anger! Panic! Pointless complaining! Sarcasm! Argh! >slaps self< Ok, I'm done.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
At the risk of raining on the parade, and I admit that I am speculating, but it all probably depends on the buyer. If the buyer needs a long term loan to buy the business, then there is debt service to be added to overhead. If the business has been around for a long time, then the present owner probably does not have this expense.
And I have also come to a conclusion about another issue with the brick and mortar places...inventory. Some time ago I went to the local place to purchase some couplers. While I was there I asked about an Atlas remote switch machine, but they did not have any in stock...ditto on a couple of other freight cars that I was in the market for. I am aware that there are probably good business reasons related to supply and demand for an issue like this.
Two model railroad stores have opened up and closed down in this area in the past two years, in the same location.
I am more than happy to support local business even if it means spending a few more dollars, but if something has to be ordered then it is just more convenient to do it from my house and have it delivered to my doorstep.
Let's face it, when it comes to specialty items, and model railroads are speciality items, the brick and mortar places that will survive are the larger ones that have a major internet presence.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Its good to see a shop survive, even if its only for a few more years. In todays market, one really has a full plate to keep a hobby shop afloat. A good Facebook page(thats updated regularly), along with a easy to navigate website are almost a requirement to reach the younger generation. The one local shop is always complaning about folks coming in to look, but then buy it elsewhere at a cheaper price. Well, Im sorry thats the nature of the beast now. If a shop gives you no reason to pay more, such as great service, a nice and knowledgable sales staff ect. They they are cutting thier own throats. Compitition is stiff and only the smart, savy shops will survive. We lost a big one localy here this year with the closing of Hawkin's Rail in Lafayette. With a pretty active club at Purdue, its hoped that someone will reopen a train shop there. But for now you have to come to Kokomo, or go to Indianapolis if you want a "brick & morter" shop. I wish the new owners of your local shop the best and that they are able to do well with the shop. Mike
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
I found some useful articles in the monthly magazines, too. What in the world is going on? Has my tin-foil hat failed?
DARTH,,,,,,, that’s good news,,, me n Mother will have to stop by there, on our next trip.
Is this the shop uptown with all the O-scale.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309
Is it a done deal or wait and see?
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
@emdmike: I have always felt that browsing any store for an item and then going home and ordering it on the internet was kind of sleazy, although I did do it once several years ago when a camera was the item involved. Now Best Buy offers to price match Amazon.
When I walk into the model railroad place in town, I walk in with cash in my wallet prepared to spend it at the store.
bearman, the new owner does have to get some financing worked out, but the current owner's only been running it for about 12 years and survived the internet, so I think it'll be alright. The store's been in that location for over 50 years, and offers a lot more than just trains, so it's pretty much the go-to shop in town for all different hobbies. They also keep a good stock of all the basics on hand, and quickly restock if anything goes out (Bloomington's right between Walthers and Horizon, so restock time are fast).inch53, the store does have a lot of O scale for both 2 and 3 rail. There's a large multi-level railroad right at the front that runs N, HO, S, and O, and it help to draw in people who are just walking by!
Well, Darth, for that store it may be that the stars and the moon and the planets are all aligned. I am not sure the same can be said about a lot of other places.
bearmanWell, Darth, for that store it may be that the stars and the moon and the planets are all aligned. I am not sure the same can be said about a lot of other places.
Cheers, the Bear.
I prefer to drink from half full, if not full, steins.
Technically the glass is 100% full. There's just air in the other half.
Before it was the Internet, it was mail order. I remember an article in MR back in the 70s where a hobby store owner complained about customers coming in, wanting to see something, spreading it all over the counter, and saying "I can get it cheaper mail order" and leaving.Stores that survive offer CUSTOMER SERVICE, which you can't order over the Internet.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Now. Go walk into a bar and say that to people and see where it gets you! "technically" doesn't slake anyones thirst. Away with you!
Bayfield Transfer Railway Before it was the Internet, it was mail order. I remember an article in MR back in the 70s where a hobby store owner complained about customers coming in, wanting to see something, spreading it all over the counter, and saying "I can get it cheaper mail order" and leaving.
Before it was the Internet, it was mail order. I remember an article in MR back in the 70s where a hobby store owner complained about customers coming in, wanting to see something, spreading it all over the counter, and saying "I can get it cheaper mail order" and leaving.
I keep hearing that story but personally I don't see the point in being mean to a shop owner - I guess there are people like that in the world but I have to wonder what they think they are accomplishing.
Stores that survive offer CUSTOMER SERVICE, which you can't order over the Internet.
As nice a sentiment as that is, stores that offer(ed) CUSTOMER SERVICE and still survive are probably the exception rather than the rule based on what I've personally observed over the past 30 years.
emdmike We lost a big one localy here this year with the closing of Hawkin's Rail in Lafayette. With a pretty active club at Purdue, its hoped that someone will reopen a train shop there.
We lost a big one localy here this year with the closing of Hawkin's Rail in Lafayette. With a pretty active club at Purdue, its hoped that someone will reopen a train shop there.
Do you happen to know what happened to his inventory? I have several friends from downstate Illinois that would travel there to a) talk to Jack and b) buy trains. They miss him and his 'style'.
Thanks.
Len S
LenS emdmike We lost a big one localy here this year with the closing of Hawkin's Rail in Lafayette. With a pretty active club at Purdue, its hoped that someone will reopen a train shop there. Do you happen to know what happened to his inventory? I have several friends from downstate Illinois that would travel there to a) talk to Jack and b) buy trains. They miss him and his 'style'. Thanks. Len S
I think his family helped him auction off the inventory about a month ago.
- Douglas
Well, looks like the deal fell through, so Hobbyland will be closing next month.
This makes it really difficult to get supplies locally. Hobby Lobby's selection of stock materials is minimal, and now if I want to get anything Walthers carries, I have to pay their shipping costs. $11.95 to send a pack of couplers one state over? How is that reasonable?
Darth,There are better options then Walthers.. The thing about on line shopping is to make sure you order enough to cover shipping.
Also do not overlook the e-bay stores that offers deals on KD couplers with free shipping.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Darth: I don't know what your transportation situation is, but Wing & Slot Hobbies in Champaign has a small train department. I got to spend some time there last October before the Purdue v. Illinois football game; talked to the owner's mother. They were surviving because they had diversified into slot cars, archery, etc. Might be a way to get stuff you want without mail order.
Mike: I knew Jack's family was going to auction his shop, but I never saw a notice of the auction. At the end, they had his store cleaned up really nice. Kind of a shame they didn't or couldn't help more to keep him open. I understand that his health had deteriorated to the point he couldn't do it alone. I am glad I got to see him on the last day. Which coincided with my son's last day in West Lafayette...
We have two hobby shops in the vicinity, so I can't complain. However, they certainly don't stock some of the more specialized items, like motors and gears. Ordering these things from Canada involves a two to three weeks waiting period... and that's when I don't forget something in the order. So I've learned to work on many projects at the same time. And there is always drying time involved in a project, so multi-tasking makes sense in all cases. I also stock up on some of the things I know I will use in the future, especially where there is a sale going on.
I'm also anticipating more scratchbuilding as the kit resources on Ebay thin out. I don't have a lot of experience in the area, but that is one of the next steps for me.
Simon
BRAKIEDarth,There are better options then Walthers.. The thing about on line shopping is to make sure you order enough to cover shipping. Also do not overlook the e-bay stores that offers deals on KD couplers with free shipping.
Yes, I do try to check all over for the best deal. Once in a while though, the only place I can find a certain item is Walthers or another distributor, so having Hobbyland around was helpful for getting supplies from them.
tin can Mike: I knew Jack's family was going to auction his shop, but I never saw a notice of the auction. At the end, they had his store cleaned up really nice. Kind of a shame they didn't or couldn't help more to keep him open. I understand that his health had deteriorated to the point he couldn't do it alone. I am glad I got to see him on the last day. Which coincided with my son's last day in West Lafayette...
I have never seen an ad for an auction, so maybe that hasn't or wont occur. I think the shop is closed for business, so I assume some type of bulk sale will be in order. I can't imagine his family selling all of that inventory by the piece online.
I read where the upcoming train show season will feature Jack's books for sale, but I don't know the details.
Here in California, I'm surprised places like Arnie's Trains and The Original Whistle Stop are still around at this late date.
Good management is key to a sucessful business, Listen to your customers and talk to them, help them out when they come to you with questions.
Do this and believe me, you will be suprised what will happen.