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What have the department stores done to all the models?

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  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
What have the department stores done to all the models?
Posted by mikepowers on Friday, August 12, 2005 7:47 AM
Rmember the days when you could walk in to a Toy's Are Us and see a whole row of models? And rockets.
Now if you were to go in to Toys are Us, you won't find one model or rocket.
I think this is terrible.
If the biggest toy store can't carry even one model, does this say anything about the model industry and where it might be going?
Your hard pressed to find any stores carrying models.
Wallmart is the exception but there selection is crap and have only a few kits.
Of course there is Hobby Lobby but there few and far between.
Hobby shops are disappearing, stores that carry models are disappearing.
Heck, you use to be able to go in to a drug store and find models.
What has happened?
I miss the good ole days.
Just venting,,, a little.
Thanks for listening.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley
Posted by berny13 on Friday, August 12, 2005 7:58 AM
I have been thinking about the same thing for many years. Even Michaels here has stopped carrying model kits. I went there yesterday and they have only a few car kits. I asked what happened to their big selection and was told they would no longer carry model kits. It is lucky we have a Hobby Lobby in town or there would be no place where I would be able to get modeling supplies except for mail order or to travel 100+ miles to another hobby shop.

Berny

 Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.  

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale. 

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale.  F-4 Phantom Group Build. 

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 12, 2005 8:00 AM
I would not worry. Models are far from disappearing. I find that the department stores just don't want the hassle of broken bits and giving advice plus giving all the paints est. I have 5 specialist shops in my city and one store with nearly the whole Revell selection so we are hardly in trouble lol.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Friday, August 12, 2005 9:15 AM
Berny, I hear ya man.
And Michaels is soooo expensive.
The closest Hobby Lobby for me is over an hour away.

Richard, I think your one of the lucky few.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Friday, August 12, 2005 10:22 AM
My local Toys R Us still carries some AMT/Ertl car models and has just started carrying the reissued AMT/Ertl Star Wars kits. My local Michaels still has a fairly decent assortment of car kits and some Revell-Monogram and Testors aircraft.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Connecticut, USA
Posted by Aurora-7 on Friday, August 12, 2005 11:27 AM
For me, it's God bless Hobby Link Japan and the internet in general.

But I do miss the experience of picking up the box in the store, holding it in my hands and looking at the side panels.

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Friday, August 12, 2005 12:21 PM
I don't even go into a Toys R Us anymore.
Nowadays its just toys for kids.
Yes Michaels currently has a limited supply of models but there very expensive and
apparently ther not going to carry models anymore.

I miss pickng up the boxes and looking at them too.
Yup, thank god for the internet.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 12, 2005 12:50 PM
Last time I have been to a Toys R Us had no models cant stand the place anyway. The Kmart here has a few models Star Wars, few Revell cars, ships, aircraft, and AMT cars. I am thankfull for the internet.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Friday, August 12, 2005 1:49 PM
All the Kmarts in my area have no models.
I'm serious folks, its only Hobby Lobby and thats over an hours drive.
Along with the closest hobby shop which is also an hours drive.
And I live in one of the most populated states in this fading republic.
Its a shame.
More venting,,,,sorry.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Virginia
Posted by JoeRugby on Friday, August 12, 2005 1:55 PM
Gentlemen,

It's simple, that very thing which we praise, the internet, has buried department store models as well as the Mom-n-Pop local hobby shop.

My guy locally shut his doors to go on-line. Well I hear he got thumped because of deals like Squadron etc. The nearest hobby shop to me is n hour drive away in Northern Virginia traffic. Basically scratch the entire morning to run down and pick up something as simple as paint.
Check out the WW I Special Interest Group @ http://swannysmodels.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=WW1SIG
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 12, 2005 2:41 PM
Personally, I think that if stores stocked an assortment of kits on the shelf, then it might spark more interest with younger kids in the hobby. I also understand from a business standpoint, you don't keep items on the shelf that don't sell. I've gone into a Wal-Mart and Michael's on the East Coast and they will have plenty of kits on the shelf, but head out West (CA) and there's not much there.
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Friday, August 12, 2005 3:18 PM
Part of the problem as I see it is the prices at a hobby shop. These days when I have less excess cash, I can't justify paying $25-$35 for a model when I can go online and get the same kit for 3/4 the price. I like going to hobby shops and I really want to help out the small business hobby shop (theres only 2 mom and pop shops left within a 20 mile radius, there are a couple Hobbytowns but they don't count), but I can't rationalize the costs anymore.

Thats the problem, decent quality kits cost an arm and a leg but the cheap ones are garbage. Then you include the paints.....

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Medina, Ohio
Posted by wayne baker on Friday, August 12, 2005 3:48 PM
I went to the LHS last saturday to get some paint. A big closed sign on the door, paint racks missing and advertisiing for some health product. I looked through the glass and thought I saw some kits on some shelves, but I won't go back. And an article in the paper recently said the train shop I buy things from is closing. The owner got old, and no one is interested in taking it over. NOw it will be a 35 minute drive if I want to handle the box first. The local craft stores have a very small selection.

 I may get so drunk, I have to crawl home. But dammit, I'll crawl like a Marine.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Friday, August 12, 2005 4:52 PM
Hey Wayne, that LHS wouldn't by chance be in Salem?
Didn't you say that you lived somewhere around Akron?
Maybe it was someone else. (could be losing my mind)
I drove almost 2 hours through traffic to get there a few weeks ago and there was
a closed sign in the window (during the day) and the hours on the door said they were open.
All of the shelves were still stocked.
Very weird.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Friday, August 12, 2005 11:01 PM
Dealing with the internet and the cheap prices WalyCensored [censored]World and other big box stores is what is killing the LHS. Save 25% on the kit, then realize you need a specific color right now to finish your model for a show or other deadline and the nearest hobby shop is an hour away and will close in 25 minutes and an internet order wil take at least 4 days and double or triple the cost of that paint and you begin to see what we've done to ourselves.
The phrase "Penny wise and pound foolish" comes quickly to mind.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 13, 2005 10:46 AM
It's strange... I'm from a small Central/Eastern European country, and when I came here t o study I expected that I'm going to the plastic model heaven. Back home there were 10+ dedicated hobby stores, two or three big (I mean BIG) model Conventions... I didn't know what I have. Besides mail order we have a small model store 30 miles away. Somehow in Europe more people take this thing seriously I guess.
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Saturday, August 13, 2005 10:59 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by ajlafleche

Dealing with the internet and the cheap prices WalyCensored [censored]World and other big box stores is what is killing the LHS. Save 25% on the kit, then realize you need a specific color right now to finish your model for a show or other deadline and the nearest hobby shop is an hour away and will close in 25 minutes and an internet order wil take at least 4 days and double or triple the cost of that paint and you begin to see what we've done to ourselves.
The phrase "Penny wise and pound foolish" comes quickly to mind.


I second that emotion! I will always support my LHS, even though it will cost me some dough to do so. They're good people, we can have a conversation, and I buy enough that they are starting to give me sale prices all the time. They know I could buy online (and sometimes do) and still support them, so they are willing to support me, too. They can't afford to stock the AM pieces, nor can they carry all the various kits, so that is what I buy off the 'net. They are willing to share, and so am I!

So long folks!

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 13, 2005 11:37 AM
Hey guys-I moved to Cleveland about 8 years ago-and have seen the demise of 3 hobby shops already-there are still two good ones left but their hours keep dwindling. Thank God for the 'net.

PS-you still can't beat the thrill of walking into a shop and having that kit immediately in your sweaty hands.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Saturday, August 13, 2005 11:44 AM
Yes, I believe the internet has killed quite a few hobby shops.
But I will continue to support the LHS (whats left) even though there prices are through the roof.
I guess, just get what you can at the LHS then get the rest online.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 14, 2005 8:24 PM
I work at a LHS and from my point of view people arent as loose with their money, like someone said people dont want to spend an arm and a leg on luxury items. But inbetween Thanksgiving and Christmas The store thrives, especially in Lionel and trains.

As for online shopping I think that my boss ( the owner) as solved the problem. He allows customers to place orders through him, and since he gets it from a distributor instead of an online store it arrives faster and usually costs less.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 15, 2005 6:12 AM
My 2 cents [2c] What we need to remember is that the LHS has much greater overheads (relatively speaking) than on-line shops. It is not that the LHS prices are through the roof for the same kit but that their other expenses have to be met. Believe me (as a small business owner myself) the LHS owner is unlikely to be getting rich at our expense!
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Monday, August 15, 2005 6:29 AM
I believe that to a degree, but I'm sure Hobby Lobby also has an overhead and they still have a 50% off sale once a month.
If they can sell kits for half off and still turn a proffit????
There getting these models at dirt cheap prices.
Its up to each individual LHS to determine how much to gouge the customer.
How much money is enough?
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Monday, August 15, 2005 7:57 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by mikepowers

I believe that to a degree, but I'm sure Hobby Lobby also has an overhead and they still have a 50% off sale once a month.
If they can sell kits for half off and still turn a proffit????
There getting these models at dirt cheap prices.
Its up to each individual LHS to determine how much to gouge the customer.
How much money is enough?



A large chain can afford to do loss leaders, selling at below cost to get you in the store and buy the cheapo and the full price accessories.

Certainly, everyone here should be savvy enough to know the MSRP of a kit. That should be the regular selling price and that is not gouging, it usually provides about 40% of the cost to the retailer. So a $50 model provides about $20 to the retailer, from which he has to pay his rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, payroll, shrinkage (Read: theft and other damage) and take some money home to buy groceries.

However, a retailler selling above MSRP deserves derision and should be avoided. It's lile those guys on E-bay who set the opening bid at retail.

If there are clubs in the area, most retailers provide a % discount to members.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Medina, Ohio
Posted by wayne baker on Monday, August 15, 2005 8:37 AM
Mike
It was Miller's on Manchester Rd. They had kits, paint and R.C. stuff. And Whistle Stop on Front St. in the Falls will be going also.

 I may get so drunk, I have to crawl home. But dammit, I'll crawl like a Marine.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Monday, August 15, 2005 10:13 AM
I know I know, it just bugs me with these high prices because plastic is just a by product of used oil or something like that.
Heard that somewhere.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Monday, August 15, 2005 10:19 AM
Wayne, the owner of Whistle Stop is trying to sell but she has been trying to do that for years.
A new hobby shop opened up on Portage Trail about a mile from Whislte Stop.
If you get to Portage Trail from Rt 8, turn left (west) its about a mile on the right.
Its small but there trying to make it work.

I found a Hobby Town USA in Strongsville Sunday, its a nice hobby shop that rates up there with WIngs in Cleveland.



  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Medina, Ohio
Posted by wayne baker on Monday, August 15, 2005 11:15 AM
Mike
There is a shop out in Medina on the square I will probably check out now and the Hobby Lobby is on the edge of Medina, on 42, towards Cleveland.

 I may get so drunk, I have to crawl home. But dammit, I'll crawl like a Marine.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 15, 2005 11:19 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Simon U

My 2 cents [2c] What we need to remember is that the LHS has much greater overheads (relatively speaking) than on-line shops. It is not that the LHS prices are through the roof for the same kit but that their other expenses have to be met. Believe me (as a small business owner myself) the LHS owner is unlikely to be getting rich at our expense!


Ditto to that, expenses like bills and rent and stuff.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Monday, August 15, 2005 12:58 PM
Wayne, I would wait to go to Hobby Lobby until they have there half off sale.
There due for one within the next couple of weeks.

I'll have to check the one out in Medina.

Also, not too far from Wings in Cleveland is another LHS called Hobby castle.
Its a hole in the wall but that makes it unique, right?
He actually has alot of stuff packed in to that little place.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ohio
Posted by mikepowers on Monday, August 15, 2005 1:00 PM
Thats right Dday, it all cuts in to my modeling wants and needs.
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