patrick
GAINING SPEED
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Post by patrick on Mar 16, 2018 14:20:48 GMT -6
Iceman collection is closing shop but will build !....But other online shops are leaving too. Scale Motorsport is leaving this year ...Redfrog Hobbies , JiminOhio and Charlie's Plastic Models all have invalid e-mail contacts...so that is not a good sign ! Tower Hobbies (Hobbico) will declare bankruptcy soon...like Toys R Us (diecast) , Kaybee (model kits and diecast) . Childrens Palace (model kits and diecast) So the big box stores are gone !...that leaves Hobby Lobby and a handful of other craft stores that carry kits still....sad...but there are many online sources to order from...times change !  |
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Post by RLFoster on Mar 16, 2018 15:39:46 GMT -6
The surprising thing for me (at least to this point) is that those of us in the Pensacola, Florida area still have TWO completely private (and AWESOME) hobby shops - Bobe's Hobby Shop and John's Models - as well as several big box or specialty hobby shops.
I hate for everyone else to be losing stores and I'm truly grateful for our stores...come on down - if you can.
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Post by JCON on Mar 16, 2018 16:01:49 GMT -6
Spokane Washington still has locally owned shops also...
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patrick
GAINING SPEED
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Post by patrick on Mar 16, 2018 16:03:27 GMT -6
We have ONE brick and mortar hobby store left ( Overtime Hobby)...back in the day there were 7 !...RLFoster you are blessed !
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Post by BUCKY on Mar 16, 2018 16:57:39 GMT -6
Birmingham area is holding it's own, with about four private shops, and hobby lobby and Michael's.
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Post by Beekster on Mar 16, 2018 18:12:30 GMT -6
In Portland, we lost the best shop in the metro area two and a half years ago when Bridgetown Hobbies closed. The founders had retired and sold the business to a longtime customer, but that lasted only a couple of years before he threw in the towel. On the west side we still have Hillsboro Hobbies and Tammie's Hobbies, but I shop those stores only for paint, supplies, and tools. Both have only a mediocre selection of 1/35 armor, and both price their kits at full retail. These days I buy my kits online almost exclusively because the pricing is always better, even with shipping factored in. There's an independent shop in Vancouver run by a fellow who has always had vendor tables at the regional IPMS shows for years, but it's a fairly long trip for me and being a Sherman fan I rarely find anything I really want. Also a Hobby Town in Wilsonville just south of Portland, but the kit selection there is also abysmal. They do, however, stock all the Model Master enamels.
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Post by Dukemaddog on Mar 19, 2018 10:52:24 GMT -6
We here in So Cal just lost one shop (R Hobbies) and another (Military Hobbies) is up for sale due to the owner's health issues. That still gives us five private Hobby Shops, along with two; possibly three Hobby Lobbies now. I am hoping and praying that someone buys Military Hobbies and keeps it going.
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Post by JCON on Mar 19, 2018 10:59:00 GMT -6
Ask if they will carry a contract Mark and run it yourself!!! Dream job brother!!!  |
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Post by Dukemaddog on Mar 19, 2018 12:12:06 GMT -6
Ask if they will carry a contract Mark and run it yourself!!! Dream job brother!!! I don't know what that means, but I would never be approved for this purchase. Their asking price is $100,000.00 lock, stock and barrel. I only make $2500.00 a year on a good year! Otherwise, yes, I would love to own and run it. I'd even add internet ordering to the store to garner even more customers. |
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patrick
GAINING SPEED
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Post by patrick on Mar 19, 2018 12:27:38 GMT -6
I also learned that an internet hobby shop is gone too....Mac's Modeling closed.
The shop that I frequent (Overtime Hobby) is owned by a fella who is past retirement age.
I just wish I could still walk not get so tired out...............or I'd buy him out tomorrow !!!
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cliffj (R.I.P.)
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R.I.P. CLIFFJ
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Post by cliffj (R.I.P.) on Mar 20, 2018 18:34:59 GMT -6
For me to walk in the door of a hobby shop I have to drive 45 miles to Rockford,IL. There is one Mom & Pop shop (Royal Hobby), a Hobby Town and a Hobby Lobby. The local one here closed about 12 years ago when the owner got to the age where he didn't want to deal with the distributors any more. He had been in business since the mid 60's and knew the interests of his customers so when something new came out it was on the shelves waiting for us.
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Post by JCON on Mar 20, 2018 22:20:21 GMT -6
It is sad to see them go, but to hold on to the ones we still have they do need our support!!! That is why I always try to save up when I go to B&B Hobby in Spokane so I can do better then just a $20 kit, I make it worth my while and theirs whenever I can!!! |
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patrick
GAINING SPEED
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Post by patrick on Mar 21, 2018 1:13:54 GMT -6
Same here....
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Mar 21, 2018 8:36:31 GMT -6
We're a dying breed. 
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feldgrau23
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Post by feldgrau23 on Mar 23, 2018 13:20:22 GMT -6
Unfortunately this is the way of things these days. As was said before, you can get stuff online cheaper. Here in my area, we have a Hobby Lobby, a Hobby Hut(a local place I think, and a Michael's. The local shop is more into RC car's, and thats what keeps them afloat.
E-bay is were I got most of my stash.
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cliffj (R.I.P.)
GAINING SPEED
R.I.P. CLIFFJ
Honorary Member of OSM
Posts: 599
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Post by cliffj (R.I.P.) on Mar 23, 2018 13:42:23 GMT -6
I don't make it up to Rockford very often but when I need some supplies I just give neighbor Randy a list for me. He does war gaming 1-2 Saturdays a month at the hobby shop so he picks up the things I need.
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Post by JCON on Mar 23, 2018 14:36:28 GMT -6
That is a great arrangement Cliff!!! |
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cliffj (R.I.P.)
GAINING SPEED
R.I.P. CLIFFJ
Honorary Member of OSM
Posts: 599
Likes: 1,381
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Post by cliffj (R.I.P.) on Mar 23, 2018 14:51:41 GMT -6
That is a great arrangement Cliff!!! Saves me gas money and S/H. |
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Post by JCON on Mar 23, 2018 15:15:41 GMT -6
Win, win situation for sure!!! |
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