Well that's a nice and very professional-looking set-up they've got.
If they can't make a go of it I'd say they've got no-one to blame but themselves.
Wow, that looks fantastic! Looks like they're doing it right. Lionel teamed up with NASCAR several years ago, and it's become one of the few sources of racing diecast left.
So, for those of us who have been able to get to the store: Did you buy anything? Notice anybody else buying anything?
WELL Is not Nort Carolina the home of Nasca? At the toy fair they put more emphasis on Nascar then the trains least the last two years
Those fortunate to get to NY can see the Lionel Layout in Riverhead
cwburfle So, for those of us who have been able to get to the store: Did you buy anything? Notice anybody else buying anything? Yes there were people buying, I did not buy anything but my wife bought some birthday gifts. I did put in my Christmas order with her while we were there!!!
Yes there were people buying, I did not buy anything but my wife bought some birthday gifts. I did put in my Christmas order with her while we were there!!!
Thanks for the pics Penny!
I think having the hands-on displays will be their key to success. Get those trains running and let the customers take the trottle! It's also a great opportunity to present layout suggestions to new and seasoned railroaders.
The Lionel store does look impressive and kind of has an "Apple Store" feel. I wonder if they'll have a "Genius Bar" for support and repairs?
On a side note: I recently email Mark Wood (The Menards train guy) to see if they would consider setting up a holiday train display in their Menards stores to encourage the hobby ... and sales, but haven't seen anything yet. I was thinking something like the hands-on train layout you see at Chuck E Cheese would provide the opportunity for a person to take the trottle and run a train ... and then hopefully encourage a sale!
Fun to see Lionel trying something new.
One thing about trains: It doesn't matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.
I really think this is an interesting subject. Now is a critical time for Lionel and their marketing strategy to capitalize on some important things:
As you and some others agree, pop up stores of any shape are great around the holiday seasons. Lionel would do best to push starter sets and basic accessories from the RTR line and maybe showcase some high end product. They promote the LHS at the popup store/kiosk to get them in there for more track and rolling stock. Everybody wins.
Gets brand awareness up, and continue to grab attention with the non-train stuff like Nascar.
Traditional retail is a dead end. "Destination shopping" is the thing now, and Lionel is a perfect brand to get in on it. Disney Springs/Downtown Disney, any of the Mills malls, the Forum shops in Vegas etc. these are high traffic areas where even if people don't buy anything, they at least get a lot of visibility of the product. Example is the flagship Lego stores with the giant sculptures where people go just to see the store, gets kids and adults really excited about the product.
In this same vein I would also make the case about destination retailers like Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops, where Lionel would have tons of appeal.
This is a great time for Lionel if they sieze on it. There is a new baby boom on this country's hands. There's a whole new generation of parents who would really prefer their kids play with something fun and real and not an iphone. Lionel just has to find a way to become a household name again.
PS to the Lionel marketer who hopefully reads this, if you make a million $ off these ideas, just hit me back and I'll give you the address to ship the Super Chief to. ; )
John
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