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A couple of people already mentioned a wide selection of stock. But unfortunately, that can be unrealistic, especially when someone is starting up. The next best thing would be having a good variety, a sample of alot of things, and being able to hunt down and find something for people, and ordering it for them. It is also important to inform the customer roaming the aisles with signs or notices that you can do so. Like someone mentioned, having a staff that will be able to look things up and find them for the customer is also important for this. For me, having someplace to go where they will be able to find if something exists, or the next closest thing, is big for me. Another thing that I like to see in train hobby shops are at least a couple of small dioramas, if not a display layout or two. This can draw me in, keep me in the shop for awhile, and inspire me to model myself. Maybe a decent N-scale table top layout (with a plexiglass top to protect from dust and customers), N-scale for size reasons, maybe HO if you have the space. Have one or two examples of highly detailed engines and/or cars. Possibly a well-done diorama with a structure, people, cars, scenery items, and labels pointing out the products in the store that were used for it. And on some weekends, have someone in the shop building a car kit, weathering an engine, scratchbuilding a small building, or do something else of interest that people can watch, and ask the modeller questions. There are plenty of people in this hobby who would be happy to do something like that for free (or for a free car kit, or lunch, or something like that). ---jps
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