another one closed

That used to be my FAVORITE part of road trips was finding a LHS and stopping by. I would always buy something whether I needed it or not. I loved talking to the folks in there more than even the wonderful shopping experience.

That is a very cool story!

We had a great toy store here that had a great hobby section.  I was sad when they finally closed.

What I hate just as much as seeing a closing shop is one that morphs into more of a toy and craft store but still call themselves a hobby shop.  I have two of those by me.

I was also impressed by the HobbyTown in Las Vegas. That was the only store I've walked into and there is something for everyone.

On a positive note, whilst visiting the Sacramento area last week, I had the opportunity to visit a Hobbytown USA which I had heard of (the chain, not this particular store) online.

I found it quite impressive and am a bit jealous of those of you who have one within a reasonable drive. :) I wish the chain luck. With the independent stores struggling so here in the US, a chain like this might be the best hope for us kit builders the future.

I still remember that hollow feeling when I drove up to Orange Blossom and found the gates closed.  Ugh. And when Hobby Warehouse - a great chain on the west coast of the state - began a slow decline by moving locations and wasting away.

Local hobby shops used to crop up and close periodically, it seems to be that they close at the same rate they used to but new ones don't open.

Yea, I live in a town of about 85K, w/no hobby shop at all..... they all went out of business a long time ago!

I have found that my LHS' are usually the same price as internet, don't have shipping charges, and if they don't have it - they can order it.

jimbot58

I've seen several in my area close over the last few years, and part of it was the current economy, the internet, but a big factor has been the age and health of the owners. Many factors are thinning the ranks, and I don't see anybody opening any new shops anymore.

WE---older, aging modelers--are really the "cultural dinosaurs" of our age. Warts, spikes, and brightly-colored plumage and all. .......

Actually I find myself missing them more as time goes by. Didn't seem like a huge deal at the time, but then didn't know it was a sign of things to come.

On occasion, when traveling I'd find a LHS to scope out. Sometimes made big impulse purchases cuz stuff I'd never seen before was there. I don't bother looking anymore.

When I lived in Miami we had Orange Blossom Hobbies on 36 St. It was model heaven! I spent many long and joyful hours in that HUGE playground, unfortunately it went belly up in early 2000. I miss it so!! 

My son is only 28 and he gets very melancholy when he mentions the great LHS we lost here many years ago. It's not just older guys, like me. But mostly, I think it is.

I agree with the support our LHS thing. I will happily pay more (and sometimes it isn't) for the ability to shop in a real store, and to have some of the staples locally.

Where I struggle is supporting the LHS by having them order stuff for me. It is just more convenient and almost always faster (sometimes, lots faster) to order online. But I still do it when I can, and not in a hurry.

I went there last night and talked to the owners..it is a combo of Internet and that end of the city just dying out also, they put their time in and want to retire.

Had a great LHS many years ago.  The owners retired and turned the business over to their kids, who promptly raided and bankrupt it.  Sad.

Yeah, age of the owners can have a huge effect on closures as well. One of the stalwarts here had a "change of ownership" about 6 or 7 years ago. Overall with very good results though- no loss of quality in the shop whatsoever. I think he looked for an owner who cared as much as he did for the business and hobby. The only real difference, aside from the new face was the music on in the store changed from Big Bands to 60s Rock.

I've seen several in my area close over the last few years, and part of it was the current economy, the internet, but a big factor has been the age and health of the owners. Many factors are thinning the ranks, and I don't see anybody opening any new shops anymore.

It's tough to buy from the LHS when they charge so much more,but again I will be sad if the two shops within 20 minutes have to close and I have no where to buy paints and supplies.So I can't complain if I have to end buying all my paint and supplies on line.It's a catch-22 for sure

I am a small business owner..I make boat covers, awnings, boat seat upholstery, etc... I survive by the local general public.I always buy local when I can  

It is very sad.  We all need to but local whenever possible.