discussion So sad !

[mossiepilot]

I was out for a walk, killing time, when I came across this shop.

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I have been looking for a local model shop but it looks like I'll not get much here.

Such a shame.

Tony.

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[John]

Looks like it's been shut for some time, unfortunately like a lot of other local businesses thanks to the big chains

 

[Guest]

This is a common sight around the country nowadays however we all have to look to ourselves for the reasons. A lot of these places have gone to the wall simply because modellers stopped using them and preferred to look for a cheaper on line deal. Many ex model shop owners will tell you stories of modellers who would visit the shops to check out the goods then go away and buy them on line.

On a positive side however you have suppliers such as the Scale Models shop who can provide just about everything you can think of for your modelling needs, with the majority of items arriving the next day.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

It is a sad sight and will only get worse. I think that the only way a model shop can survive long term is if it becomes creative. For example they need to encourage young people into the hobby and into their shops and break the trend to order everything on line. I think they could do this by holding workshops or meet groups at specific times. They do need to look at what they can offer that the internet shops cannot and that is a more personal contact with people, Just look at Gamesworkshop. They are making bumper profits so they must be doing something right. I would hate to not have my LMS and would miss the chats if it closed.

 

[Guest]

Over the years i have seen so many small shops like the one pictured in Tonys post and it is a shame, the internet is a major reason why small business`s fail, and it will get worse, like myself many people like a ,and to be honest in todays climate you cannot blame folk for trolling the websites and looking for those bargains.

It is a shame but unfortunately it is the way it is because of rising costs and the ease of the internet, especially when you can troll the web in far of places such as the far east etc, the small business`s here simply cannot compete with major players,....its such a shame, i used to love going to different towns etc shopping and visiting local model shops, but sadly there are so many model shops that no longer exsist....it is a shame.

Tom

 

[Guest]

i still use my local shop in kirkcaldy,he has been helpful,and today i asked him for 3 model aircraft 2 for twins 1 for wifey as she wanted a go,they are hobbycraft ones 1/72 £15 the lot,i would be sad if it disappeared.just a shame some cant fight the web

mobear

 

[Guest]

Sadly its not only the small model shops going bust , my local modlezone in Sutton Surrey shut down about 2 years ago so its effecting the big model shops also .

Richy

 

[Guest]

My local shop was ED Models in Shirley. I still lament its closing. Its only problem was that it was just a little too handy!

Keith

 

[Guest]

I try to support my model shop as much as i can. The owner is a member of my flying club to. A few extra pounds is worth keeping these guys going, hence me handing him £2000 today when i could have got it off the net for cheaper I'm sure. If you take into consideration of carriage you are not really spending that much more.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Ian M]

The Hobby shop in Helsingør closed recently but the guy that owns my 'local' bought his entire stock of kits.

I was up to visit yesterday and apart from the one kit I bought, I left with a carrier bag filled with five or six other kits, that where not sales worthy due to damaged boxes. All for the sum of £2 extra.

So sad for the shop in Helsingør, but OK for my LHS. (and for me in this case).

Ian M

 

[Guest]

In Jersey we have three shops which stock models. As we only have a polpulation of 90,000 that is remakable.

But I think there success is by multi tasking. One sells tools luggage & every day things plus train models. Another is a toy shop with the model section. Another has trains large scale & flying aircraft model.

Amazing all have Humbrol enamel none have Acrylics. Trying to educate.

Laurie