When did and how did Menards get into the model train business?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
3-4 years ago.
Someone or maybe a few people who were working for the Menard's got a idea to try their hand at selling some beautiful "O" Gauge structures. They also figured that they would try their hand at selling some very nice "O" Gauge box cars. Since this time additional items have been made. Right now their "O" Gauge tubular track is about ready to make its appearance. As near as I can tell, they are on the right track for more and bigger items in the future. Their pricing is like a dream come true. I can hardly wait to see what they have in store for us in 2016.
Menards has been having trains at Christmas for at least 10 years. I have a Wisconsin Central steam set from 2005.
Originally Posted by Bill S.:
Menards has been having trains at Christmas for at least 10 years. I have a Wisconsin Central steam set from 2005.
Yep Menards started out with electric trains about 10 years ago with Lionel starter sets, some exclusive to Menards. Also some Lionel freight cars exclusive to Menards.
Bill T.
Interesting with Menard's, it raises a kind of neat question simply for fun. What if Menard's bought out one of the train manufacturers, like Lionel or MTH, what would happen. Not likely to happen (trains are pretty far out of their main business) or likely as h*ll freezing over, but still, what would happen?
Given the size of Menard's business, and the fact that they are a retailer, might mean a lot. For one thing, I suspect they would have better means of promoting the train business than any of the existing companies, simply because they can afford to do more, since they already have a large effort for their main business. Also, being part of a larger business, rather than a privately held company focusing only on trains, it would possibly allow them to cut the margins on the products they sell, since they wouldn't be relying on trains for all their profits, the way the current companies do. They also might do a lot more on the more modest end of things, for much the same reason, that they would not have to rely on the big ticket items to make all their revenue. Likewise, they might be able to increase sales of train items simply because of their presence, both on the web and brick and mortar stores, by sheer volume of people seeing the trains (put it this way, I suspect the Menard's site takes hits in huge orders of magnitude greater than Lionel, MTH and Atlas combined, probably in the 10's of millions to maybe 10's of thousands each day).
Sadly, though, it probably wouldn't work for them. Besides the obvious fact that Menard's primary business is in home improvement/hardware, it also would not likely produce much in increased business for the company IMO. Obviously someone there likes trains and gets a kick out of doing this, and they probably see some marketing benefits from producing what they do, but on a broader scale it is unlikely actually having a train producing business would help the overall goals of Menards, even if through having a large outlet like Menards would likely increase visibility of these trains via foot traffic at the stores.
What do others think? This is not a serious question, rather simply something fun for a fall Friday, no right answers.
A few observations about Menards since they became a forum sponsor:
1. When problems were mentioned with some of their early rolling stock trucks and couplers, those individual issues were addressed and the subsequent products were improved.
2. When folks responded to the early die-cast vehicles being too modern for many of us to use, they responded with older die cast panel delivery trucks on flat cars. One can only hope they will continue to introduce more vehicles of the steam era.
3. Menards will shortly introduce an extensive line of tubular track. Another sign that Menards is paying attention to the O gauge market and identifying opportunities for expansion.
4. Mark the Menards train guy is very active on this forum responding to members' problems, supplying product information, etc.
Well done, Menards!!!
Originally Posted by bigkid:
Interesting with Menard's, it raises a kind of neat question simply for fun. What if Menard's bought out one of the train manufacturers, like Lionel or MTH, what would happen. Not likely to happen (trains are pretty far out of their main business) or likely as h*ll freezing over, but still, what would happen?
Given the size of Menard's business, and the fact that they are a retailer, might mean a lot. For one thing, I suspect they would have better means of promoting the train business than any of the existing companies, simply because they can afford to do more, since they already have a large effort for their main business. Also, being part of a larger business, rather than a privately held company focusing only on trains, it would possibly allow them to cut the margins on the products they sell, since they wouldn't be relying on trains for all their profits, the way the current companies do. They also might do a lot more on the more modest end of things, for much the same reason, that they would not have to rely on the big ticket items to make all their revenue. Likewise, they might be able to increase sales of train items simply because of their presence, both on the web and brick and mortar stores, by sheer volume of people seeing the trains (put it this way, I suspect the Menard's site takes hits in huge orders of magnitude greater than Lionel, MTH and Atlas combined, probably in the 10's of millions to maybe 10's of thousands each day).
Sadly, though, it probably wouldn't work for them. Besides the obvious fact that Menard's primary business is in home improvement/hardware, it also would not likely produce much in increased business for the company IMO. Obviously someone there likes trains and gets a kick out of doing this, and they probably see some marketing benefits from producing what they do, but on a broader scale it is unlikely actually having a train producing business would help the overall goals of Menards, even if through having a large outlet like Menards would likely increase visibility of these trains via foot traffic at the stores.
What do others think? This is not a serious question, rather simply something fun for a fall Friday, no right answers.
I think if they set up a small display in a corner of each store,it would attract a lot of attention and perhaps interest a few people as new O Gauge customers. Especially if it were landscaped well,looked nice (remember women run the household and furnish the home usually) and had a few interactive push buttons to start the trains and run accessories. A magnetic crane would be nice and interesting. I would assume that a good part of their customers like to build and create things. No 2 layouts need be alike and a layout could actually decorate a house. I think if they had scenery,track, Quiet brace and/or Homosote, starter sets,a line of freight cars and were also a licensed Lionel dealer etc,they would do well. I purchased a bunch of stuff from Lowes when I did my layout and they do not even sell trains. I had to drive to Ohio to get Quietbrace and purchased 50 some sheets as I remember.
I actually think they could bring new people into the hobby even better than hobby stores as you would have impulse buyers who would get ideas looking at the displays.
Speaking of buildings,I would like to see a line of smaller 1/48 scale train stations,unique ones from different small towns. People not even into trains may buy and display these,just like some Miller sign buyers.
Dale H
