I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best.
With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me.
1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying.
2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult.
So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything.
As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result.
BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago.
Richard
Richard,
What you are seeing is very common. Our model railroad club held a 2 day 'open house' this past week-end. We had the best turnout of all time - the aisles were crowed all day. Most of the crowd was older and 'gray' - They had their grandchildren along to see the trains.
Most of our member are over 50(one is about 30). And half of our membership is retired. I will be retiring at the end of this year! There appears to be growing interest in trains, but the LHS we have really sells R/C stuff(airplanes/helicopters/trucks). We have not had a model train shop in town(100,000 population) for over 6 years.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Train Modeler I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best. With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me. 1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying. 2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult. So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything. As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago. Richard
That local hobby shop you went to wouldn't be the Great Escape in Spartanburg would it? They seem to be luiquidating all their train stuff. Much better selection at Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville.
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.
www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com
Yes, I'm growing gray, and most of the train items I buy are special orders. But, I do take advantage of my LHS for special orders, and I buy the small stuff there, too.
Young customers are used to doing their shopping online. I'm guessing that idea of ordering something from a store and then going there to pick it up seems a bit odd to them. I mean, why not have it shipped right to my house, right? And there's the problem for the LHS. For me, I'm happy to save on the shipping charges, which would normally come out more than paying the sales tax. But, I feel that it's part of my mission in life to help the LHS and other local shops.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Train Modeler So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything.
Our local hobby shop plans to go out of business after Christmas. His isles are looking kinda thin. He has an elaborate layout, he will keep some of his trains, sell the rest, and leave the layout for the landlord to worry about.
He has lost interest in the whole thing, but then this guy never was running on all four. Sorry to see him go, but then I am not a big spender. And he does not stock subway trains. Sure he could order them, big news flash: SO CAN I. And I can get them for less than he can.
And that is the bottom line, more and more people are willing to buy on line, and they know what the real price really is.
The big get bigger and the small wither up and blow away. If he does go out of business, I think that will leave only one hobby shop in the state, and they are located on the grounds of an airport, so guess what hobbies they are interested in.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Maybe because I am 71 now ,I have gottin' use to things changing rapidly.We are in modeling golden age so just relax and enjoy it,besides nothin' is forever.
Once Upon a time.........
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http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/JohnReid/
I am a man of few words but lots of pics
I quit drinking beer because the download was taking longer than the upload !
No surprise. In Northern Virginia the few hobby shops with trains that are left mostly carry Lionel and other 3 rail lines. There may be a small HO and N section, but it's apparent that Lionel pays the freight and at list price. But then the area is very affluent, while many people have little time for building stuff. Scratch building supplies are limited or non-existent. One owner told me he's dropping paint because there's no demand for it.
Paul
Train Modeler I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. Richard
I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me.
You're certainly right on the first part of your comment -- this has been discussed on these forums for several years, on an almost monthly basis, but there's nothing we can do about it.
Around 1995 there were six hobby shops in Tucson, Arizona that carried or specialized in trains -- today, there's only one in an Ace Hardware store that also carries model aircraft, ships, R/C cars, and other items.
All of the others closed up over the years because the owners retired and no one would buy their shop. Owning a hobby shop today is an extremely risky business if you intend to sell only trains. I, too, have heard the comment, "We can order it for you" many times when I was looking for something they didn't have in stock. Well, I can order it too, and probably get it faster and cheaper than through the LHS.
As others have also stated, getting younger people interested in trains seems to be a losing battle. Our local club has 20 members, but only one is a teenager -- practically all the others are either retired or getting close to retirement.
We held an open house the weekend of 12-13 November. Many children visited with their parents or grandparents, but very few had ever seen a real train When asked if they had a train, the answer was nearly always, "Yes, a Thomas the Tank Engine set" from Brio (wooden toys) or Bachmann.
GP-9_Man11786 Train Modeler: I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best. With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me. 1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying. 2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult. So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything. As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago. Richard That local hobby shop you went to wouldn't be the Great Escape in Spartanburg would it? They seem to be luiquidating all their train stuff. Much better selection at Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville.
Train Modeler: I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best. With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me. 1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying. 2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult. So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything. As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago. Richard
Thanks for reply
I really didn't want to say, but you're so close I will. It is the Great Escape in Greenville. I normally spent quite a bit there. I used to buy quite a bit at Blue Ridge too, but he told me he doesn't do phone orders any more. And once I have to start ordering online, I might as well go to MB Klein or somewhere else which has the cheapest price. I have found Rail and Spike in Easley to be the best stocked in the immediate area and Trainmaster in Buford, GA to probably be one of the best as well as the shop near Specer shops in NC. The Great Escape situation is sad to me since it's been where 3 generations of my family shopped.
BTW, I like to come over and watch some train movements in Spartanburg every now and then. Ever been to the Krispy Kreme? I haven't, but hear that I should.
MisterBeasley Yes, I'm growing gray, and most of the train items I buy are special orders. But, I do take advantage of my LHS for special orders, and I buy the small stuff there, too. Young customers are used to doing their shopping online. I'm guessing that idea of ordering something from a store and then going there to pick it up seems a bit odd to them. I mean, why not have it shipped right to my house, right? And there's the problem for the LHS. For me, I'm happy to save on the shipping charges, which would normally come out more than paying the sales tax. But, I feel that it's part of my mission in life to help the LHS and other local shops.
Interestingly my two teenagers tell me that their friends and them prefer to shop in person vs online. They like going to stores in groups, socializing and getting Lattes or other drinks whether in a mall or plaza. My daughter wants a pair of Uggs and wouldn't let me buy them online, she wanted to go to the stores. I'm sure there are all different shopping types out there however.
I agree on helping the LHS!! Particularly since they're the only place where you can go try out a loco and hear the actual sound, etc.
Guys,I think we are seeing the dawning of a new era..
I fully believe there are younger folks in the hobby like before but,these newer modelers are passing by the "old school things" like hobby shops,clubs ,magazines etc in favor of on line shopping, forums and videos.
There are hundreds of "how to" videos on you tube that covers every modeling need from spray painting to hand laying track.These are like "live" clinics that is available with few clicks of your mouse..
Guys,I find this exciting and in some ways a little sad since I am a dinosaur from another era and still like some of the old ways.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Train Modeler As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. Richard
All I can say is if you were shocked, start getting used to what you saw because this kind of thing is getting to be more and more common. Learn to use the internet and find some good online suppliers. Complaining won't do you much good other than the psychological process of venting, then you have to deal with reality and move on with life.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 Train Modeler: As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. Richard All I can say is if you were shocked, start getting used to what you saw because this kind of thing is getting to be more and more common. Learn to use the internet and find some good online suppliers. Complaining won't do you much good other than the psychological process of venting, then you have to deal with reality and move on with life.
Train Modeler: As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. Richard
Jim,I fear what you say is becoming the norm for several reasons also I've notice a new trend(to me at least) one can no longer open the package to inspect the model and have it test ran.The reason quoted is" because of the fragile details" and "its factory sealed"..
So,and IMHO its like buying a pig in a poke even though you can see one side.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
Train Modeler GP-9_Man11786: Train Modeler: I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best. With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me. 1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying. 2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult. So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything. As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago. Richard That local hobby shop you went to wouldn't be the Great Escape in Spartanburg would it? They seem to be luiquidating all their train stuff. Much better selection at Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville. Thanks for reply I really didn't want to say, but you're so close I will. It is the Great Escape in Greenville. I normally spent quite a bit there. I used to buy quite a bit at Blue Ridge too, but he told me he doesn't do phone orders any more. And once I have to start ordering online, I might as well go to MB Klein or somewhere else which has the cheapest price. I have found Rail and Spike in Easley to be the best stocked in the immediate area and Trainmaster in Buford, GA to probably be one of the best as well as the shop near Specer shops in NC. The Great Escape situation is sad to me since it's been where 3 generations of my family shopped. BTW, I like to come over and watch some train movements in Spartanburg every now and then. Ever been to the Krispy Kreme? I haven't, but hear that I should. Richard
GP-9_Man11786: Train Modeler: I know this has been discussed/posted before, but for it to hit so hard at this time of year was surprising to me. I went to one of the "main" LHSs here to go buy some pre-after Thanksgiving HO goodies. I wanted to make sure I got there when the inventory was at its' peak and selection at its' best. With anticipation my son and I walked to the very familiar aisles which we have done now for over 20 years(actually my son is only 13)--my Dad used to shop there and we would sometimes all 3 go together. After looking at the almost barren shelves I turned to the mgr(whom I've known for about 10 years now---he's new to the shop) and asked him where the inventory is--I mean it's Christmas(no offense meant to those who prefer Holidays) time. His response shocked me. 1. He said that there just aren't that many customers for trains any more and he's had to diversify into other areas. Almost all his train customers are gray haired and they are becoming much fewer in number. Acknowledging that my son was there, he said there aren't any younger customers replacing the older ones who are no longer active in buying. 2.That most customers don't want to spend much money per item and those who are willing to are rare and want a very specific item which makes stocking difficult. So, when I suggested it sounds like he's getting out of the train business, he said-no-we can order anything. As I was driving back to my house I was thinking about my son and how he is growing up in a much different world. Wondering about the concepts of "self fulfilling prophecy"/"chicken or the egg" and how regardless of the philosophy and thoughts on this forum, the result is that there will be less opportunity for him to see new product first hand at what used to be a special time of the year and therefore he won't continue to shop or buy models as a result. BTW, I normally spend about $200 to $800 on this annual trip--this weekend I spent 0. I was last in this store 4 months ago. Richard That local hobby shop you went to wouldn't be the Great Escape in Spartanburg would it? They seem to be luiquidating all their train stuff. Much better selection at Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville.
If you're going to watch trains in Spartanburg, come to the old Southern Railway depot. You have the NS main line and CSX's forer Clinchfield and P&N lines all coming together. Allso you have the Hub City Railroad museum in the depot, where I volunteer.
Also, try looking in your phone book under "Hobby Shops".
Lion, I agree with your first posting about the younger modelers and others going on line. It is just they way it is.
Not good nor bad just the life of model railroading in the 21st century.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
Not just model railroading....
Its both sad and comedic that this same discussion thread exists in so many different industries. Shoes, clothes, automobiles (and parts).....welcome to the new world order...
I was just this morning reading a blog thread, that has grown very long, extoling the same problems, dilemmas and fear in the retail music instrument world. Commonality?:
I don't believe there is an answer, or a magic pill to be found. As long as the commodities are value/price driven, this is how it will be.
In the music world, 100 years ago, the industry was up in arms over PIANO discounting and those dreaded mail order houses that would ship a piano (via rail) right to your home, killing the local dealer. Then came the "mass merchandiser" who really didn't specialize in the product, but just sold things off the shelf. Then came (horrors!) the 800 number. Then the dreaded catalog and the cursed "www."
Remember (I do) when MR would publish anyone's 800 number? Then it was web urls, now the advertising in the back for LHS' has gotten smaller and smaller, along with the calendar of events...(guess what...both are "local").
Believe me, fellow ferroequinologists, if this connundrum cannot be solved in much bigger industries than our little hobby based field.....then it may not be solvable...
Bums me out...
(ps. I used to work in a hobby shop for many years...and owned a retail music company)
Shopcat, It was that way when I had my Paintball Supply retail store in San Francisco during the 1990's and early 2000's. That is the reason I decided to get out while the getting was still good. It seems that many retail model train shop owners are doing the same.
Unless you were lucky enough to make the jump to the big time at the correct time, a small shop is now on the endangered list. The luck of the draw does apply.
BRAKIE Jim,I fear what you say is becoming the norm for several reasons also I've notice a new trend(to me at least) one can no longer open the package to inspect the model and have it test ran.The reason quoted is" because of the fragile details" and "its factory sealed".. So,and IMHO its like buying a pig in a poke even though you can see one side.
Heya Larry
To be honest, I've been noticing LHS shops doing this more or less for the last 20-25 years. Now there may be a new trend afoot due to the last 3 years of economic down turn but it's just a tough way to make a living - and I've observed that many small LHS shops are run by retired people who aren't doing it to make a living but more as a "retirement hobby" which gives them a litte extra income - hopefully!
As far as opening and inspecting trains before buying, thats something I've almost never been a place where I could do that, mainly because I've lived in the east for the past 20+ years and most of the time the models I wish to purchase are west and loco's especially aren' t on the shelves to inspect cause eastern shops don't generally stock westerns stuff. What can you do?
Guilty here of foregoing the local hobby shop. The shelves are thin with generally high prices. Sometimes they carry old, out-of-production stuff but by and large, I never go there and I shop online at hobby stores that have a better selection. The $10-$15 in shipping easily beats the time and money I have to spend driving the 60 miles round trip. Part of the reason they continue to have out-of-production stuff is because they sell at or above MSRP in most instances and don't sell online.
The last time I did shop there, I noticed Shinohara #5 turnouts were on sale ($5.00 off MSRP). I grabbed a few together with some CA. On the way home, I realized they didn't even discount the turnouts for the "sale." It was about that time I said "forget it" and decided to go straight online.
I think hobby shops 'could' stay relevant if they were more involved in clinics, customer service, layaway on special orders, etc., but frankly, the ones that I have frequented aren't all that helpful, even when I have my son along.
Tastes and interests change.
Remember when video games were the exclusive domain of nerds and weirdos? Now a major video game release rivals movie money. Call of Duty Modern War 3 has already made over $780m in sales. It hasn't been out a week. Can you imagine a movie making $780m in six days?
I generally post similar comments each time this topic comes up.
First of all, WGH estimates that there are half a million model railroaders in the US, who spend about half a billion (or about $1000 each) annually on train stuff. I can't imagine that the hobby has ever been a whole lot bigger than that, so I don't think it's fair to blame video games or other distractions.
Similarly, interests change as we age. When I graduated from college, I loved my computer game.... pretty much the only one available: Flight Simulator. While I still enjoy computer games, my interest has shifted from the action-oriented / real-time games to the more cerebral ones. Similarly, I now really enjoy MAKING things with my hands and tools, so that I spend very little time actually on the computer any more.
But the hobby shops -- especially the dedicated train shops -- share a lot of the blame for their demise. Unfortunately, retail is all about inventory management. First and foremost, you gotta have it to sell it, and you have to aggressively price dead stock to move it (I've gotten many a bargain at my LHS because he had priced an item to move -- when I ask "what's wrong with it?" the answer is always, "I've had it too long"). Never stocked, never sold! The biggest advantage that a brick and mortar establishment has over an e-tailer is instant gratification. The opportunity to inspect the product close up is another. Many hobby shops lock up their stock so that you can get a better view on the Internet, and keep the same old dead stock on the shelves long after the box corners are worn smooth, and then lament the lack of sales.
Doing things right costs a lot of money. You've gotta have inventory to draw the customers (and get the sales), and you've got to have a constant flow of new items to keep them coming back. And you've got to compete with the e-tailers -- your profit on an item that you don't sell is $0, so you've got to figure out what price moves the item at a small margin for you. I know how I feel when I walk into a store looking for a loco, model kit, or rolling stock: if I;m getting it for less than MSRP, I think I'm getting a bargain, despite the fact that I could probably find it still cheaper on line if I looked. And you have to be willing to suck up the occasional damaged piece -- it's an opportunity for a quick sale. It doesn't have to be on the low shelves where every child can poke it, but it shouldn't be locked away where a prospective buyer has to spend 5 minutes trying to find the right clerk so he can look at it. One of my local shops has everything in a big display case, and if you spend more than 30 seconds looking at the same model, someone will ask you if you'd like to take a closer look at it.
And finally, as the LION (I think) said above, don't bother offering to special order stuff. These days, anyone can do that. You need to be the instant gratification guy -- like when I use my last strip of 0.01 styrene at 9:00 Saturday night, I know where I can get more on Sunday morning.... you ARE open Sundays, right? Because the Internet is.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
CTValleyRR But the hobby shops -- especially the dedicated train shops -- share a lot of the blame for their demise. Unfortunately, retail is all about inventory management. First and foremost, you gotta have it to sell it, and you have to aggressively price dead stock to move it (I've gotten many a bargain at my LHS because he had priced an item to move -- when I ask "what's wrong with it?" the answer is always, "I've had it too long"). Never stocked, never sold! The biggest advantage that a brick and mortar establishment has over an e-tailer is instant gratification. The opportunity to inspect the product close up is another. Many hobby shops lock up their stock so that you can get a better view on the Internet, and keep the same old dead stock on the shelves long after the box corners are worn smooth, and then lament the lack of sales.
For those of you who point to the teenagers/younger generation using the internet to buy vs stores--do you say that from seeing your own kids or others doing it? How do you know that?
The reason I ask is that my two teenagers much prefer going to stores for a lot of reasons such as friends/socializing, trying stuff out, instant gratification, etc. When I ask their friends they tell me the same thing and this includes many different races--Indian, Asian, Caucasian, Latino, AA,etc as middle class. From my experience my wife buys the most using the internet and so her friends. Of course I do as well. So, from my experience the internet buyers tend to be those who are older/working--post high school.
And yet from our experiences most of us on this forum probably developed our love of trains before graduating high school. And without the LHS having something to put your hands on to help you with those early experiences, do you think it would have been as good??? Maybe, but for a youngster few things beat instant gratification--seeing it, touching it, buying it, using it.
Oh brother, how did I miss this thread for so long? It has already been up for 24 hours, and it escaped my notice until now.
Another LHS thread, probably the most discussed topic on these forums. Simply gotta be.
Hey, I love the LHS as much as the next guy. But all three of the LHS's that I used to patronize have all closed. They all went down for the same reasons. These reasons have all been discussed ad nauseum.
They are all gone except the ones that are still in the process of going.
Arggggggggghhhhh.
Rich
Alton Junction
CTValleyRR You need to be the instant gratification guy -- like when I use my last strip of 0.01 styrene at 9:00 Saturday night, I know where I can get more on Sunday morning.... you ARE open Sundays, right? Because the Internet is.
You need to be the instant gratification guy -- like when I use my last strip of 0.01 styrene at 9:00 Saturday night, I know where I can get more on Sunday morning.... you ARE open Sundays, right? Because the Internet is.
I don't agree with this. The internet may be open, but you won't receive the needed styrene until at least Wednesday, probably even a day or 2 after that. Whereas the LHS will be open on Monday or Tuesday to purchase the needed item.
I also order more by mail than in the past. My nearest train only store is about 40 miles away. Thankfully, I do have a full range shop a lot closer for items such as styrene. Plus, I model in a scale/gauge (Sn3) that is not the most popular and that stuff I have to mail order.
Here in Louisville Ky we have 2 very nice Hobby shops.One all trains and it does well and the other that does all hobbies and it is allways packed.I live quite far from them in southern IN and since one of our bridges got closed due to cracks getting their is allmost impossible.I due order most of my stuff from MB Klien but I do use the local shop quite a bit when I can get their.One installs decoders and I use them allot.Most of the local kids like the RC stuff tha is ready to race 'most do not have the skills or a father to show them all the skill in model rail roads.I do watch Youtube and their seems to be plenty of young folks buying and getting into trains.I would say aound here MR is healthy.Bob
Richard asks:
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Richard,That's a very interesting question..Here's my observations.
In todays computer world its so much easier to shop in your home..You can order pizza on line,order a carryout dinner from Bob Evans and other such restaurants(some restaurants deliver),buy clothes,sporting goods,watch and order movies,buy books etc,etc,etc..You can do all this from your desk top,lap top or cell phone..
When my son buys computer parts or the latest action video game its from on line even though there are several nearby computer and game stores..
Its a whole new world of computerized shopping that's slowly squeezing out the old shopping methods.
I suspect one day you will walk into a store sit down at a small private computer desk and order your needs,pay and wait until a porter brings your purchase.I suspect there will be a complimentary coffee or soft drink while you wait..
A personal off topic thought.
When I was a kid back in the 50s I never dreamed that one day I will have a computer in my home,a phone in my pocket that has a GPS system and a camera that doesn't need film and will show you the photo before you take it..
So,its only natural the new methods replaces the old methods.
BRAKIE Richard asks: For those of you who point to the teenagers/younger generation using the internet to buy vs stores--do you say that from seeing your own kids or others doing it? How do you know that? ---------------------------- Richard,That's a very interesting question..Here's my observations. In todays computer world its so much easier to shop in your home..You can order pizza on line,order a carryout dinner from Bob Evans and other such restaurants(some restaurants deliver),buy clothes,sporting goods,watch and order movies,buy books etc,etc,etc..You can do all this from your desk top,lap top or cell phone.. When my son buys computer parts or the latest action video game its from on line even though there are several nearby computer and game stores.. Its a whole new world of computerized shopping that's slowly squeezing out the old shopping methods. I suspect one day you will walk into a store sit down at a small private computer desk and order your needs,pay and wait until a porter brings your purchase.I suspect there will be a complimentary coffee or soft drink while you wait.. A personal off topic thought. When I was a kid back in the 50s I never dreamed that one day I will have a computer in my home,a phone in my pocket that has a GPS system and a camera that doesn't need film and will show you the photo before you take it.. So,its only natural the new methods replaces the old methods.
Thanks for the reply. How old is your son, if you don't mind me asking?
BTW, the concept of using computers/internet is something we do every day. We have 7 computers networked in my household(two are set up to run the layout) and I used to own a business that supplied CNN and other major enterprises some of their computer equipment. I guess that's one thing that makes me so passionate about this subject. I've owned/own 5 businesses including IT, mfg and services--have teenagers, love the train hobby, a Boy Scout leader which gives me insight as to what teenage boys like/don't like (peer pressure/group think is a big part of what influences a teenager. Not as much peer pressure when younger).
One thing I've learned from being in business is that you have to have some level of passion to make it work. And when the owners get older/retire and can't find a buyer that's usually the end of any small business. You hear about so many businesses either failing or not going to the next generation.
There is a new train store here which opened up about 4 years ago and he is growing--already moved into a bigger store. A lot of his business is from the internet--so he does both which he has proven can be a winning strategy. He tells me that Horizon won't let you sell Athearn or other product without having brick and mortar--so at least Horizon is trying to help the LHS business. He does a pretty good business from the store and has some passion.