And so, another HS closing

Another sad story. Doesn't make any sense to put inventory in storage. 

A couple of months ago when I was on the hunt for MTH Scaletrax #4 and #6 turnouts, I called MTH for assistance locating shops that had ordered Scaletrax in the past few years... since not all of them keep their inventory up-to-date on the MTH Product Locator.  As we were going through the list, the MTH rep commented that she needed to "skip over a few names on the list", because those stores were no longer in business.    The LHS landscape is definitely changing, but there's still a good selection of great stores looking to earn our business.

David

people age, die, interests change.

You think it's just the train hobbie? The whole Country is shutting down around us!

I would say that being in a family business  as my brother and I have been since we were kids and taking over company in 2001 you just get tired, more so than anything else. and when you have to put in 7 days a week it can be and is a lot . and next we are all  getting older but I think not selling inventory may be a poor decision, just my opinion

The model railroad hobby is experiencing a changing demographic in those that buy and sell trains. The sky is not falling so to speak, but the changes in the market over the next few years may be dramatic unless an all out effort is made to reach a new audience. That new audience is probably not the young kid who is glued 24/7 to his smartphone but perhaps the coming middle age person who may be more interested in getting into a hobby.

Brian Olson posted:

My experience with Box-Kar/Diane and crew has been mixed over the last 35+ years. More often than not customer service was very weak. Some visits customers were completely ignored unless you made a purchase and even that interaction could be meager. Merchandising left a LOT to be desired with too many bare, dusty shelves and unsold, overpriced PS1 equipment still for sale. Shopping there was a frustrating experience as the store could've been so much more with a little effort. Granted, I gave up on Box-Kar a few years ago in favor of Caboose Stop so maybe things improved but I doubt it. She lacked real competition and sense of urgency. The fact she wants to put inventory into storage after closing speaks volumes.

 

Ouch. The truth hurts.

Is it me or is Nassau Hobbies of the mindset "This ain't a museum, move this stuff."

Brian Olson posted:

My experience with Box-Kar/Diane and crew has been mixed over the last 35+ years. More often than not customer service was very weak. Some visits customers were completely ignored unless you made a purchase and even that interaction could be meager. Merchandising left a LOT to be desired with too many bare, dusty shelves and unsold, overpriced PS1 equipment still for sale. Shopping there was a frustrating experience as the store could've been so much more with a little effort. Granted, I gave up on Box-Kar a few years ago in favor of Caboose Stop so maybe things improved but I doubt it. She lacked real competition and sense of urgency. The fact she wants to put inventory into storage after closing speaks volumes.

 

Brian,

What you say is true. The inventory does turn albeit slowly.  I know several workers personally, and never had problems but maybe they just know me.  Diane never did train shows like Carol or Merlyn of Caboose Stop does;  Diane never ran sales that I knew, and prices were MSRP, less 10%. So guess if you are in your comfort zone , and the income keeps the lights on and staff paid, why shift.  Carol really tries to get the very best and fairest prices often beating on-lines, by a little, but even if not, gives us a great excuse to do a road trip to Cedar Falls to get the item!!

Right now Box Kar everything with a few exceptions are 25% off the marked price.  Picked up an MTH semiscale Needham reefer car and woodland scenic supplies.

Brian, you must be from around the Cedar Rapids or eastern Iowa area.  I am in Hiawatha, north of CR.