40% Off Kits at HL

Never much choice at the 17 year HL here in NC.

Has anyone found out if they are just purging old inventory, or getting out of the plastic kit business alltogether?  I can't imagine they are making any profit here when everyone is picking up the few high end kits they actually do carry.

I actually spoke to the manager of that department back in august, and she actually loves her department, and those that frequent it, and she assured me that they are just updating/revamping their plastic model department with new stock and are just clearing out old stock...

RickS

...There's a discount chain called Ollies.... don't know how far and wide they are, but there are 2 in the Oklahoma City area... 

Yeah, Ollie's started here in PA, out near Harrisburg.  For many years, they were focused on the East Coast, but they've been extending their market further west.

They buy odd lots from close-outs, and they have distribution agreements with wholesalers.  Going into their stores is almost like visiting an indoor flea market.  I'd be leary of buying food items there, for example.  But you can find some good bargains on just about anything else.

As far as models go, they distribute the brands that Round2 owns, like Lindberg and Hawk, so you can find current releases of those brands there.

If you keep in mind that it's not a hobby shop, but just one more place to look for some kits, you can be very happy.  If you go in expecting to see the latest Eduard or Dragon kits, you'll be disappointed.

For that matter, HobbyLobby is a general hobby supply store, too, not a dedicated scale model shop.  So again, for what it is, it's a useful place to visit.  But if you want or need specialty PE or aftermarket decals, it's not the place to go.

I seem to remember that HL brings in new inventory around October/November every year. I doubt if they’re getting rid of the model kit aisle, probably just replacing stock.

Unfortunately, for the last few years it seems like they’ve moved increasingly towards reissue kits, novelty kits, etc. They now only stock one or two higher-quality kits, such as the Tamiya Easy 8. Several years ago they had a much nicer selection. Hopefully they’ll restock with some nicer kits.

Yesterday morning I had heard that the MPC Schwinn 10 speed bike was being repopped.  I was planning to go to HL in the afternoon, and was surprised to see it on the shelves already.  Picked one up.

Chemteacher

Not to revive and old thread, but....I went into my local HL last week and noticed they restocked on some kits. It was the usually stuff but also kits I hadn’t seen before in the store. Interesting thing is the 40% sale on kits was stIll going on. Hopefully, they continue to offer more kits and enlarge their stock.

 

Also in their weekly ad, no coupon.