HobbyTown USA, is there a store near you?

Greg -

Probably the nearest LHS in my general area would be Syracuse, NY an hours drive from here. I have yet checked it out. There is one in Webster (Rochester area) called Performance Hobbies I went to a few years back that I was impressed with. Great stock and hobby supplies. Sadly, I haven’t gotten the chance to go back. Hopefully this year next time we have a family gathering.

I have one about 2 miles away, in Londonderry, NH.  Typical of the breed, they have a sampling  of plastic kits. Usually an old assortment of old releases, but with a several new releases scattered in. Once in a while, they surprise me with a new release no one else had yet.    I got my Revell Yacht America there well before it showed at the two well stocked shops in the area.   And sometimes they’ll have a recent Airfix release that is already sold out everywhere else.

I stopped in recently, and was surprised ( and a little disappointed) to see that they had bunch of the well worn Revell 1/48 aircraft- looked like a ” new“ shipment of the old standby Revell kits had finally come in from the new Revell Germany. (Not much else to pick from.)

While the plastic section is weak, they do have basic RC supplies that I need for my scratchbuilt RC Ships.

I‘ve been in the area NW of Boston for 25 years now, and fully realize how great I have it. There are two very well stocked shops in the area- one in Marlboro, MA; one in Tyngsboro MA. One is 25 min away, the other is 65 min away.

We no longer have any of the "chain" stores in this area. Last one (Hobbytown, I believe)has been gone for...5-6 years now...maybe more??? The shop I used to frequent, for paints and basic supplies has been gone for some time as well.

 We do have a thriving shop in Ypsilanti (MI). I know I've mentioned it before. "Model Cave". Definitely worth a visit, if you're in the area. By far, the best aircraft selection I have ever seen, and it dominates the store. He also has a good selection for ships. A bit weak on armor (bothers me not). I'd say a fare selection of Gundam and autos too.

EdGrune

I think the success or failure of a store is largely the fault of the local franchise owner...

I agree completely.

We had a HobbyTown here, that was in business for at least 20 years.  Then the owner sold it and retired.  The new owner couldn't make a go of it, and within a year, he had to close up shop.

Greg

Thanks for sharing your HobbyTown and LHS situation, TB.

Sheep, as lousy as my memory is, I remember your story from a couple years back. That was a sad thing to read then, and it is now. One of those in a lifetime would be enough.

BTW, On re-reading my OP, it sort of sounds like my point was to gripe about being followed around the store. I really didn't mean it that way. I got to typing and got carried away, led myself off-topic as I do sometimes, and I apologize for that.

The intention of my post was to get a feel for how Hobbytowns are doing in general, and thanks to all of the helpful replies, now I know. It's localized, dependent upon ownership and other factors, but in general, Ok. And I'm happy for that.

 

Thanks for sharing your HobbyTown and LHS situation, TB.

Sheep, as lousy as my memory is, I remember your story from a couple years back. That was a sad thing to read then, and it is now. One of those in a lifetime would be enough.

BTW, On re-reading my OP, it sort of sounds like my point was to gripe about being followed around the store. I really didn't mean it that way. I got to typing and got carried away, led myself off-topic as I do sometimes, and I apologize for that.

The intention of my post was to get a feel for how Hobbytowns are doing in general, and thanks to all of the helpful replies, now I know. It's localized, dependent upon ownership and other factors, but in general, Ok. And I'm happy for that.

Fesan

I have one a town over from me. It is not the best place sometimes. My hobbytown near me is mainly rc cars, planes, and boats. Does not have a huge selection of paints (which 90% are enamel anyway). They follow me around the store also but the one employee i do not mind since he is an avid builder and more so wants to see/hear about what WIP you have. They mainly follow around since the younger kids around my area think its cool to steal from the store constantly so i do understand their suspicions of everyone. I did just find out that Mega Hobby is in my state just a hour or so drive away so plan to check them out also this weekend.

 

I can up you one what happened to me a couple years ago. The last remaining LHS was ran by an old man whom wasn’t too bad. Until that is his paranoid daughter started working there. Long story short, one cold winter day during my lunch hour, I was leaving. I had my hands in my pockets as I walked out the door. Told the old man Have a nice day on the way out. Then this daughter o& his said “Excuse me but can you empty your pockets?” 

She actually thought I was stealing. I felt insulted as I took my hands out of my pockets. She sheepishly apologized but I cut her off and told her that she just lost a loyal customer and I vowed never to return again. I predicted by years end it will close for good since they hardly gotten any business. I felt sorry for her father but she was being paranoid everytime I go to shop there. Sure enough, he ended up closing for good this past January.

Hi;

 Well,I guess that you could say local.My Hobby Town is in  San Antonio 45 miles away . We do have a H.L here in New Braunfels ,Not Bad,Typical H.L.     T.B.

Greg

Joe, it is starting to surprise me where the HTUSA's are ....and aren't. Corpus Christi is a decent-sized place, I would have suspected you would have one closer.

Chad, sounds like you have another pretty good one. Interesting your HT carries Gunze paints. I don't ever remember seeing those anywhere. Thanks for chiming in.

Bruce, I got your comment all backwards. Unfortunately, Cincinnati would be quite a haul (I'm way up north near South Bend, IN). Thanks for the thought, though....

Johnny, now there's a dedicated modeler. In Naples territory for less than 1/2 year and all ready have the local shops sorted out. Good for you! Glad you found some action down Naples way. You just made me think to check for a HT in the Tampa Bay area. No idea why I never thought to check before. Found one 40 mins away from my Florida hangout, and as you should have learned by now, 40 mins away in Western/Southwestern FL is about average, isn't that right? Thanks for giving me that idea.

Ken, I've added that info to my travel notes for both places. I checked and Carmichael is only minutes from my sister's place in Sacremento. Plus you have given me incentive to get to Denver. Sounds like a great place to be a hobbiest for sure. Thank you!

Bob, if you're not a Hoosier, I'll bet Granger and Goshen sound about alike. No worries. A little more info on Jerry's, it is owned by Jerry Macri who has what has been reported as the largest HO home layout in the US in his home basement. You can do some Googling and find out more about it if you want. They have funny hours (and they change seasonally), check with them or with me before you head down this way.

Greg

Bob, I'm sorry Kazzoo closed too, but I'm glad if I saved you a trip. I probably saved myself one, as sooner or later I'd have headed up there this spring/summer.

I am familiar with the Granger HobbyTown USA as well. I was going to mention it but my post had already gotten too long. It is a nice little store but it didn't pique my interest becuase as you said, it is mostly RC. That said, I should probably stop by again and support them if I can.

I looked up Maple City and the one I found in is Goshen, easily confused with Granger, and a good 45 minutes if not more from here.

Speaking of Granger, if you get down this way and have any interest in model trains, check out Jerry's Trains. It is an awesome new train hobby shop which unfortunately for me, I can easily walk to.

My bad on that location, Goshen is what I have written down. I'll blame that on my meds lol.  Thanks for the tip on Jerry's Trains.  I'll have to check it out the next time I'm down that way.

DMX512

Rob Grovonius

If you make the trip to Louisville you MUST go to Scale Reproductions. It is a Mom and Pop shop with an excellent selection of models kits and supplies.

I never shop anywhere else.

 

If you get back to Sacramento, checkout Viking hobby shop in Carmichael. They have a great selection in a teeny space! Lots of fun. In Denver, we have the two Colpar’s Hobby Towns, which are still regarded as Colpar East and West, and have kept their identity and well-earned rep as among the best in the country. But we also have Thompson’s hobbies in Lakewood, and Caboose hobbies, which specializes in trains. In addition, we have a number of Hobby Lobby stores throughout the area. I’d say the Denver-area is target-rich in model stores.

Greg

Bruce, Indy is a pretty good haul, 2:15+ to Carmel/the north side for me. But I do pass through a couple times per year so if the store you have in mind is anywhere near US31, the east 465 loop, or 65 south of 465, it could be a stop.

Greg, 

The Hobby Town I'm talking about is in North East Cincinnati where I live. If you lived close to Indy, I knew it would not be too long a drive to Cincy. 

My HT is in Plano, TX and about 20 minutes from my house.  They have an incredible selection of Gunze, Vallejo, Model Master, and Tamiya paints and a great selection of kits. They also host our bimonthly Model Club. And if I need something specific, they can order it.

I surely do appreciate all of your great feedback on my question. Thanks!!!

Mostly I am relieved that 'my' two pet stores were not indicative of trouble for all HobbyTowns. They are nice stores and I wish all of the store owners well.

Bruce, Indy is a pretty good haul, 2:15+ to Carmel/the north side for me. But I do pass through a couple times per year so if the store you have in mind is anywhere near US31, the east 465 loop, or 65 south of 465, it could be a stop.

Fesan, I'd never been followed around a store before, so now I know how it feels. Not so good, does it? More importantly, I'm glad to hear you have a decent store nearby, and don't let the distrust get to you. Atta boy.

Ed, I agree, a lot does depend on the individual owner. I've been through some tough times in business, and I know that the worst of times do not bring out the best in me. I have empathy for the folks. The store in Kalamazoo was a husband/wife effort. I remember having a wonderful chat with the wife once years back. I wonder if it was the husband who was chasing me around that day years later?

Clint, thanks. I wonder if that Indy south side store is the one Bruce is thinking about?

Barrett, I agree. It's good to support local shops if we can.

Rob, thanks for chiming in.

Jim, good to hear you have a decent selection of stores up in your NE neck of the woods. Too bad one of them might not be closer.

Tojo, that sounds like a nice kit selection. Sounds like you have one of the good ones nearby.

Tickmagnet, I think every hobbiest should visit a HobbyTown at least once, I'm glad you have one to visit when you are in the vicinity.

Joe, it is starting to surprise me where the HTUSA's are ....and aren't. Corpus Christi is a decent-sized place, I would have suspected you would have one closer.

Sheep, sadly, your story is all too common. At least a lot of us were around to have enjoyed the LHS heyday, even if it makes us melancholy.

Bob, I'm sorry Kazzoo closed too, but I'm glad if I saved you a trip. I probably saved myself one, as sooner or later I'd have headed up there this spring/summer.

I am familiar with the Granger HobbyTown USA as well. I was going to mention it but my post had already gotten too long. It is a nice little store but it didn't pique my interest becuase as you said, it is mostly RC. That said, I should probably stop by again and support them if I can.

I looked up Maple City and the one I found in is Goshen, easily confused with Granger, and a good 45 minutes if not more from here.

Speaking of Granger, if you get down this way and have any interest in model trains, check out Jerry's Trains. It is an awesome new train hobby shop which unfortunately for me, I can easily walk to.

Tankboy, sounds like lucky you. I need to get off my lazy duff and visit my daughter in Denver this summer, I might just have her take me on a little hobby side trip or two then.

MJames, sorry you have a bad situation out your way.

learmech, you might be the first report I've heard of a HTUSA being your go to LHS. That's cool!

DMX, lucky you to have a good mom and pop store near by. Savor each moment.

Hamster, I didn't know you had a HTUSA so close. That is COOL. Also, the store near me Bob was talking about also has an indoor RC building. Small world.

Thanks again for chining in, everyone. Like I said, I'm relieved to hear of so many thriving HobbyTowns and LHS's in general.

We have a small but decent Hobby Town here in Longmont, CO.  with a good selection of supplies, and a lot of common kits.  They will always order special things like GOOD new kits with only a week's lead time.  Very handy.

They have a lot or RC and toy trash which I am not interested in. 

When the boss or one of the old timers is on duty, you can "talk shop" which is very much appreciated.  However, at other times, they only have "DUH..." clerks on duty who are not at all helpful.  I usually know what I am looking for, so I am glad to have this place nearby, with all of its shortcomings.  I support them whenever I can.

I have a HT five minutes from work. That is really convenient for me. They seem to be thriving. They are heavy on RC but they have a good mix of everything else. But, I think it's RC that pays his bills. The one thing he has going for him is a big empty building behind his store that he uses to promote RC races. In the summer he has people race in the parking lot. He has a good following and people dump good amounts of money into upgrades and new vehicles. I went to his store on a Sunday and they were racing that day. The store was packed. The man it doing it right.

Rob Grovonius

If you make the trip to Louisville you MUST go to Scale Reproductions. It is a Mom and Pop shop with an excellent selection of models kits and supplies.

I never shop anywhere else.

The closest Hobby Town to me has turned into a toilet since going from an independent to the HT branding. The plastic model section has all but disappeared, paint racks are usually 1/3 empty, and anything new is all R/C car stuff. Not worth the hour plus drive at all. And yet teary eyed modelers moan about supporting local hobby shops incessantly? Bad stores deserve to fail, and good riddance to them. 

Tankboy, That former Colpar store is amazing! Even as a Hobby Town, they have maintained their commitment to scale modeling. The place is truly impressive, nearly overwhelming. Barrett

I have one just a couple of miles away.  Colpars hobbies, now part of the Hobby Town, is about 20miles away.  There are several in the metro area, Longmont, Loveland, Colorado Springs area.  So Colorado is great for outdoor and indoor activities.   40 years ago we had several more I used to visit.  Things do change.  So getting kits and supplies has never been an issue for me.   I rarely use on line stuff.  The stores get it all.  Especially Colpar, which I've been going too for over 40 years. They have been giving me a discount there for decades.  

I'm glad you posted this Greg.  Not because of the Hobby Town in Kalamazoon closing down, but so I don't waste a trip there.  I'm a bit north of you in Benton Harbor so it's only about a 45 minute drive for me.  I liked the store and had been in a few times over the past year and generally found what I was looking for.

I've heard there's a Hobby Town in Granger, but it looks to be mostly RC stuff.  I've also found a place online called Maple City Hobbies in Granger but haven't made the trip down there to check the place out.  I don't know how close you are to Granger, but it might be worth checking out if it's not too far.

The last remaining LHS closed for good late last year. No Hobbytown store in my area.

BarrettDuke

Several Hobby Towns that I used to shop at around the country when I was in their towns have closed in recent years. I think they're also struggling. It should be a reminder to us all that if we don't spend some of our money in our local hobby shops, we'll all soon be paying $3.50 for a bottle of paint, paying $2.00 for shipping, and waiting several days before it arrives. Barrett

 

 I've been to the Hobby Town USA in San Antonio and load up every time I go but I only get up that way maybe once a year.

I have one in Springfield I visit when I happen to be in that town. It's about 70 miles away. They  carry a lot of different items and at least a third of the store is RC stuff. It leaves their model pickings pretty slim but always worth a stop just to see what might be there. It's run by some super nice folks and I've never have been followed around by them.

I got a Hobbytown in Asheville,very close.I am quite pleased with it,they have nice selection of paints,weathering products,and supplies.I don't normally buy kits from stores,but they had a nice selection of newer kits.Dragon,Meng,Takom,and Tamiya.I have to say I'm glad they are here.