Michael's selection getting bigger

Did a little research-looks like Hobbico will be the Hasegawa distributor in the U.S....and if you go to the Hobbico website, they also distribute Revell....

http://www.modelretailer.com/en/The%20Industry/Industry%20News/2010/03/Hobbico%20exclusive%20distributor%20for%20Hasegawa.aspx

Sorry that the link doesn't post as a hyperlink...

So that may be good new then.

jetmodeler

 

Hun Hunter:

 

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

 

 

Thats true. $8-9 is definately not bad for a 1/48 kit. Especially when the newer releases of jet cost around $40 to almost $80.

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

jetmodeler

 

Hun Hunter:

 

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

 

 

Thats true. $8-9 is definately not bad for a 1/48 kit. Especially when the newer releases of jet cost around $40 to almost $80.

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

murph

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

Mabe you can request better prices on the Michaels forum. Don't give up yet, if you take your conserns strait to Michaels, they'll probably grant your whishes for cheeper ktis at your local store

Railfan 233

 

 

Mabe you can request better prices on the Michaels forum. Don't give up yet, if you take your conserns strait to Michaels, they'll probably grant your whishes for cheeper ktis at your local store

I did.  I asked the store managers directly if they would 'price match' a lower, regular price from an independent vendor.  I then sent an e-mail to Corporate HQ about their pricing policies and 'price matching'.  I was told, basically, to pound salt.  They can take a long, hard lick on my hairy, Irish behind.

O.K., if you think it's right to just foam at the mouth about it here, insted of going to Michaels with your complaints, fine by me.

Just don't go bashing them in a way that gets this thred unwanted atention from the moderators.

It's funny you mention them wanting more male customers Sprue, my friend and I were there a few weeks back grabbing some airbrush supplies and I made the comment that we were probably the first 20 something males in the store in weeks

Felt out of place, lol.

I was just there this weekend and there were only women in there. I think me and my step-dad were the only males in the store.

The manager tour I encountered was probably the largest group of males the store had ever contained.

The last time I was in Michaels, the only males in the store was my father, some teen-age guy with his girlfriend, a young kid, and myself.

4 in total, it seems like we are an endangered species when it comes to Michaels

I used to work at Michael's as a custom framer. The majority of the customers and employees were female, except those of us working in framing. In fact, when I was working there all of us in framing were males. But Michael's is certainly hard pressed to find merchandise that would attract men. Aside from model kits and rockets, they don't have much else. Most of the guys I saw in there tended to be college level art students, purchasing pads, canvases, brushes, and pencils rather than actually feeding their hobby. (I should know, I was one of those art students before I changed my major to History). Expanding the model section would be a bonus but I really don't think it would attract any more gentlemen than it does already. It's an Arts and Crafts store, just a quick glimpse inside and all you see are flowers, stationary, stickers, sewing material, wedding supplies and Bob Ross. The model section at my local Michael's is hidden in a back aisle and I must venture through the floral arrangements to get there...

When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction.

oddmanrush

Expanding the model section would be a bonus but I really don't think it would attract any more gentlemen than it does already. It's an Arts and Crafts store, The model section at my local Michael's is hidden in a back aisle and I must venture through the floral arrangements to get there...

When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction.

I certainly understand about product.

I shop go inside for kits, glue and paint ( will be trying some of the chrome paint they sell to see if it can substitute for Alclad ).

I am presuming that drawing more males would require a different type of product. 

I already buy power tools at Sears, Berlands , woodworking accessories at Rockler and Woodcraft,  metalworking accessories at Enco tools, KBC Tools, MSC tools, outdoor equipment at DicksSporting Goods, ( Nannybot again ! ) Cabella, REI, Gander Mountain ...... and beer ( Need those cans for fermis style seat scratch building  ) at local food store.

Michaels would be hard pressed to expand into those fields just to attract males

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

Apart from Jo-Ann Fabrics, scrapbooking stores and whatnot, I can't think of a less male-friendly retailer than Michaels. It's not just the product - they've stock mostly the same categories as Hobby Lobby - it's the atmosphere, the way the aisles are set up, the fake flowers everywhere. 

I used to hit Michaels all the time when I was a kid for kits, paint, and whatnot. I don't remember it being so bad then - closer to what Hobby Lobby is today, really. 

If they (and Hobby Lobby) wanted to attract more men to their stores, there are tons of product options they could consider:

• Obviously a non-laughable selection of model kits and paints
• R/C kits. I swear my local Hobbytown is 3/4 R/C crap these days. They're close and they stock Tamiya paint, but that's pretty much the only reason I go there.
• Pinewood derby cars. Kites. Fantasy figurines. Father/son bonding-type activities.
• Woodcrafting
• Photo supplies. Paper and maybe some lighting gear.
• Memorabilia storage

Heck, if nothing else, just having stuff on the shelves for the guys to look at while the wives/moms/daughters do their shopping. As it stands, I can't stay in a Michaels longer than about 45 seconds without klaxons going off in my mind.

oddmanrush: "When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction."

I fell the same way. It is kind of a check on my manhood to go in there or Hobby Lobby. I try not to look at any of the decorations least people think I am a little light in my loafers.

DoogsATX

If they (and Hobby Lobby) wanted to attract more men to their stores, there are tons of product options they could consider:

 

• Obviously a non-laughable selection of model kits and paints
• R/C kits. I swear my local Hobbytown is 3/4 R/C crap these days. They're close and they stock Tamiya paint, but that's pretty much the only reason I go there.
• Pinewood derby cars. Kites. Fantasy figurines. Father/son bonding-type activities.
• Woodcrafting
• Photo supplies. Paper and maybe some lighting gear.
• Memorabilia storage

 

Have you posted on the Michaels forum or contacted customer service to let them know about your suggestions?

oddmanrush

 Bob Ross.

Bob Ross. I didn't know they had his stuff in Michaels. Great painter, I never miss his shows on the local PBS station. So relaxing, painting the little happy clouds and the happy little trees so the squirrels and other little Forrest critters can have a place to live.

Bob Ross has acually proved to be a national treasure in the model railroading department, too. I use his techniques for painting backdrops on layouts (admittedly, they are no more than dioramas with track in them)

Real good man, and real good show.

Sprue-ce Goose

 

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

Well, that's one of the reasons. The wife gives me enough trouble as it is dropping money to build the stash, let alone getting held up in the local craft store by the single ladies.

Otherwise, like I said, getting to the hobby section involves taking a tip toe through the tulip department. Not exactly a browse-friendly environment if you get my drift. Unless I go around the other way, in which case I could peruse the Better Homes and Gardens magazines....

This is, of course, unlike Lowes, Home Depot, DicksSporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc, where every aisle has a potentially attractive buy. Where as, every aisle in Michael's has a potentially attractive female......

oddmanrush

Sprue-ce Goose:

 

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

 

Well, that's one of the reasons. The wife gives me enough trouble as it is dropping money to build the stash, let alone getting held up in the local craft store by the single ladies.

Otherwise, like I said, getting to the hobby section involves taking a tip toe through the tulip department. Not exactly a browse-friendly environment if you get my drift. Unless I go around the other way, in which case I could peruse the Better Homes and Gardens magazines....

This is, of course, unlike Lowes, Home Depot, DicksSporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc, where every aisle has a potentially attractive buy. Where as, every aisle in Michael's has a potentially attractive female......

Why don't you try acting like H.M. Murdock?

It seems like the ladies don't try to hit on you if you act like you were busted out of the psychiatric ward of a V.A. hospital. (It's been working for me ever since day one of the 9th grade. Now, no one bothers me during lunch)

Man, that girl was crazy. I wouldn't touch her with a 50' pole

Doogs: I remember when Michael's used to be like that too, back in the early to mid-90's my mom would take me with her and I'd usually leave with a kit. I was shocked when I went back a few weeks ago.

Going in to a store that primerly caters to women never really bothered me.If they have what I need to do my modeling and the price is right I'll walk in to a dress shop with no problem at all! 'm secure in the fact that I know I'm a man and I've never had any trouble going in Michael's or A.C.Moore or any similar store to get modeling suppies that I cann't find in local hobby shops.Hobby Town USA are so expensive it should be a crime! I have found tools and such at Harbor Freight for 1/4 of the price that HobbyTown USA wants.I guess it all depends on one's ego as to where they feel comfortable shopping?

Toysoldierman, you are the bravest man I've ever met. I have no problem going to Michaels, but going to A.C. Moore or a simaler store drives me up the wall (preferably the out-side wall)

I read you loud and clear on Harbor Freight tools, and Hobby Town U.S.A. prices. Mine jacks prices sky high, to where even a simple Revell car kit (the same ones from Michaels) are about the same in cost to one of those Dragon super armor kit (the ones with so much photo-etch and stuff)

I'm sort of lucky. Even though there are only 3 dedicated hobby shops in my town (Hobby Town USA, and a  family owned store with 2 locations) the family-owned stores cut prices to be as close to the reccomended sale price or less as they posibly can. I do all of my internet and mail-order stuff through them (except for on-line auctions) because they don't charge shipping. I've become real good friend with the employees around there (and I also have a reputation with them of never leaving without buying a kit)

I used to have no problem going into HobbyLobby (espicially if I have a 40% coupon) because my wife is an artist. She goes there a lot for various paint, paper, brushes, etc. I always let her do her thing as I head straight to the model section. Now that they are downsizing (I haven't had the chance to check the one I go to) i'll just stick to my LHS.

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

Unfortunately, I must drive 20 miles to the hobby shop.

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

Sprue-ce Goose

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits. Even if the kits are not what appeal to you, you could use them as a barganing chip later (such as getting the kid down the street to mow the lawn) Or, you could turn around and sell them, and gain some money by selling them at regular price, or increce it by a few dollars, to get more money for your budget.

Sprue-ce Goose

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible. I buy the odd paint here and there, but the kit selection is both expensive and somewhat mediocre. There isn't any aftermarket support. They have like two decal sheets, locked away behind glass. You know, because of all those hooligans stealing FW-190 markings. 

Fully 3/4 of the store is given over to R/C. Which, I mean cool, but I've always assumed is as or more niche a hobby than scale models.

The remaining quarter is a toss-up between scale models and their various supplies, model railroads and their various supplies, and overpriced kiddie junk that my toddler freaks out over every time I take him in with me. You know - cheap little wind-up cars for $5 each and such.

Every time I walk out I tell myself I'm never going back. Then I run out of Neutral Gray in the middle of the weekend...

Railfan 233

 

 

 

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits.

If the 40 pct coupon can be used with it it might be worthwhile, otherwise I'll just use the Michaels 40 pct coupons I receive.

Amazingly, the store sold some kits- not usual as stock was constant for two weeks.

DoogsATX

 

 

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible.

One large, fairly awesome  Chicagoland Hobby Town dating from AD 2000 still exists ( of three ) with fewer aftermarket model accessories and more RC.

One small Hobby Town opened a year ago but carries no more kits than Hobby Lobby but has more paint.

OTOH, Venture Hobby in Wheeling IL had many more kits ( still the largest LHS number of kits)  but increased RC space at expense of kits while

Des Plaines IL Hobby has moved to a smaller location and reduced stock overall in both railroad ( primary ) and model kits so reduction is not just Michaels & HL....but I must drive 20 miles to each of those LHS....

I'm just going to clarify for the sake of clarification. I do not have an ego problem and I am not uncomfortable shopping in Michael's. As I said, I used to work there. I shop there quite often actually. I simply find the rest of the content in the store, aside from models, irrelevant therefore I do not spend much time in there. I go in, find what I need and I leave. No use browsing.

That's odd. I find almost all of what can be found in Michaels useful in some way. Floral wire is what I use to simulate bits and pieces of hose and wires running about on some models, while plastic beads are good for simulating lights on an emergency vehicle (I'll show you what I mean if I ever get around to bulding that fire truck with a scratch-built conversion and a Monogram Ford F-250)

So you are not going to join me as an H.M. Murdock impersonator?