discussion Is this the death toll for Modelzone?

[Guest]

Well folks, Telegraph report that Modelzone have filed notice to appoint administrators, a dark day for all in particular all those relying on such places for work and its knock on affect to all its suppliers.

2,000 jobs at risk as Dwell, Internacionale, Ark and ModelZone head for administration - Telegraph

Rich

 

[Guest]

Its sad news, but not a complete surprise. The range of model kits in the Ipswich branch has dropped by well over 50% in the last 2 years or so, and been replaced recently with lego, which I suppose is probably a better money maker. If it does shut it then leaves Ipswich without a proper model shop in the town centre!!!!

Cheers, Andrew

 

[BarryW]

I popped into the Modelzone in Bluewater last summer and there was absolutely nothing of any interest to me there. It is difficult for high street model shops to compete with on-line retailers.

 

[Dave W]

That Bluewater branch is tiny.They don't keep much stock in there.I go to the one at Lakeside.They have a much bigger choice of kits.Hope they don't go under.If they do,there might be some bargains to be had.Vultures picking over the carcass....

 

[rickoshea52]

This news about MZ is no surprise but still sad. I wouldn't like to see them go as they are a valuable source of limited edition model railway items. Just this week they announced the commision of a batch of models that many railway modellers have been wishing for for a while.

 

[john i am]

It's really bad news for us modellers if this is true I think online retail is killing the high street And feel that you may save a few pounds here and there online but the way the Royal Mail have increased their prices then people may actually start getting off their backsides and return to the high street . I myself also buy from online shops quite abit but you cannot beat a good rummage around a model shop

 

[Dave W]

I agree you can't beat a good browse around a model shop.But these days buying off he Internet is so much more convenient.With work and family commitments I very rarely get the chance to go into town.And I only go to the hobby shop in Southend for paints as they rarely stock a kit I'm after.I asked them to get me the Revell 1/48 Phantom for the recent sig build.But their supplier couldnt get it.My wife eventually bought one off the Internet for me.

 

[Vaughan]

That is sad news and I had wondered what was going on with Modelzone as their stock of aircraft kits has been noticeably dwindling over the last few months. That leaves Norwich with just one model shop their prices are a little steep as far as kits go but they do sell vallejo Modelair. Lets hope someone can bail them out.

 

[Guest]

I prefer rummaging around in a model shop to buying online, you often find a bargain you weren't looking for. A few years ago we had the entertainer selling a huge range of models and model railway, now next to nothing. A proper co-op department store with a proper model section, now closed. Woolworths which had a reasonable range, they're now closed. We had galaxy models which was quite well known in this region, they're now shut down. If modelzone shuts we'll be left with scograil as our only proper model shop, but they're outside the town centre. The only other options will be whsmiths, the occasional kit found in tkmax, and Toys r us who are right on the other side of town who stock a reasonable range of airfix, but no paints or accessories!!!! Sad times!!!!

Cheers, Andrew

 

[Guest]

It's a shame, but I was in their Chester store last week and they seemed to be well stocked, even got an extra kit than the one I went in for because of the cheap price, hate to say it but my local model shop is very overpriced. Will miss model zone if it goes, love nosing around

 

[Vaughan]

I've just remembered that my son bought me a £20 MZ voucher for fathers day which I haven't spent. I hope that they honour it unlike the problems people had when HMV went tits up.

 

[PaulTRose]

it would be a pain if they do go thro

the only time i buy kits in a shop is when MZ have their sales on.........most of the time i buy via evilbay, and thats simply cos they dont often stock what im interested in

BUT i buy all my supplies like paint, glue, brushes, etc etc from shops..........i already have too few sources in nottingham, dont really want to lose another

if they did go thro i think they would just reappear as an online shop like Hannants, since they already have all the contacts/imporation infrastructure in place.....dont forget MZ was created by the management of Beatties when they went thro so they already have the knowledge of doing it once

 

[BarryW]

It is not just a matter of price though but also one of choice.

If it wasn't for the internet and dependent on my local model shop I would only be using Humbrol (urrrg) and would have a very limited selection of kits to buy. No Vallejo, no Gunze, no Flory washes, Airfix, Revell and the odd Tammy kit..... That is why I do all my shopping for model stuff on-line, choice. If it the choice was there then I would buy locally.

 

[AlanG]

Same as me Barry. I only ever knew Humbrol and Revell enamel paints. Don't even get me started on glues.

The internet has opened a massive experience for me and it's one I love. I am always trying out new techniques thanks to you guys on here and others on other forums/blogs. My model shop in Scunthorpe (Shermans) I thought was great. Until the internet came along. I now have more choice and better prices to hand.

 

[rickoshea52]

I've always found the MZ shop in Amazingstoke to be quite well stocked with a wide variety of kit types, makers and accessories. Some I've been in are a bit of a pit to be honest - Guildford for example.

 

[takeslousyphotos]

........ and whilst we lament the passing of Modelzone (if indeed that happens).......... Perhaps we should spare a thought for all the independent retailers, not just model shops, that have been put out of business by large retail chains ....... and tha patronage given to them by customers...........

Peter

 

[Gern]

........ and whilst we lament the passing of Modelzone (if indeed that happens).......... Perhaps we should spare a thought for all the independent retailers, not just model shops, that have been put out of business by large retail chains ....... and tha patronage given to them by customers...........Peter

Quite right Peter. You get what you pay for - and if you don't pay High St/corner shop prices, you lose your High St/corner shop.

To be fair though, it's not all one-sided. Many High St shops seem to have lost the basic idea: you have to supply what the customer wants - variety and service. A wide range on the shelf in your shop and the willingness/ability to go get what you don't keep already. I once asked my local MZ at Merry Hill for a Revell paint colour they didn't have on their display stand. Their reply was "If it ain't there, we can't get it!"

Gern

 

[Guest]

In Jersey the model shops just do not get it. Go for acrylics I say every time I enter the shop. For the youngsters it is so much easier & cleaner (and for mother). But no they cling to Humbrol Enamel.

Tell them, there are 3 of them, acrylics Oh why what. Nuts !

Laurie

 

[Guest]

Well the website is now down with the notice of the administrators

ModelZone

Update - someone on Facebook just stated a manager at a store has been given 9 days before the axe falls!

 

[Guest]

So is everything going cheap for nine days?