Mixed emotions

I'd love to, but it's six hours one way for me!

That is the problem John, as more and more close their doors we will all be 6hrs or more away from a LHS! I am hoping that anyone in the Akron area that sees this and did not know about E&S will pay them a visit

I can truly sympathize.

With the current closing of P&D Hobby, first mentioned here on the forum earlier in the week, we here in the Detroit area will soon have only one LHS left (Great Lakes Hobby and Train), this to serve a community of 5.5 million people.

Conclusions:

1. Brick-and-mortar is apparently no longer viable in most places.  It looks like online has won, at least here.
2. It's likely that there aren't enough of us left here in the Detroit area that are still committed strongly enough to our beloved hobby to ensure that brick-and-mortar stores can survive.

Sad, but apparently inevitable.

Mike

There are a number of LHS stores in our area, I guess we're lucky.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd love to, but it's six hours one way for me!

John just make to my place in State College and I will drive the reminder of the trip and we can both check out this place.

I believe, personally, that many brick-and-mortar stores, not just LHS, close when the owners want to retire because most potential buyers can't afford the acquisition costs of both the real estate and the business.  Plus, unless you've worked in a small business, you can't believe the headaches that go along with it (long hours, crazy customers (SOME OF US!!), taxes and other governmental regulations, current supply chain issues, finding good help, etc.).  I truly appreciate those who soldier on or deign to make an attempt at any new small business.

Chuck

@terryd73 - Regarding E & S’s internet presence, FYI I just tried to open up the E & S website and a URL message comes up that it can’t be found???

E & S Hobbies

In SE Michigan, P&D Hobby has just closed, too.

But to get to E&S in Akron from here is about 4 hours one way.  Or, at the current fuel cost of $5.00 per gallon, and the best hwy econ of our late model vehicle, $62.00 round trip...PLUS another $21 for tolls.   

Not your tube-o'-glue or bottle-o'-paint run to the hobby shop, methinks.

In fact, when the marquee at the gas station hit the new high this weekend...$4.99/gal...the dining table discussion was re-bundling our weekly errands (life) to reduce that budget cost.  Ditto a couple weeks ago re meal menu's re food costs, dining out routines.  Next on the chopping block?...hobby expenses...period.

Interesting times.