I went on Hobbylobby.com and took the customer service survey and typed in that they need to increase, not decrease, their model selection. I got this idea from a post about Michaels increasing their selection.
Maybe a bunch of guys can do this and they might do something.
I’ll head over there pronto.
Cheers.
I did the same thing few weeks ago. I also talked with the store manager who I know very well because he sees me shopping there often. I asked him why the stock was cut in half and moved far back to the corner next to the train sets. His response was it wasn’t his decision but he was ordered to do by the corporation because model sales have been not profitable lately. He felt the pain when he did the job because he enjoyed modeling when he was young. I have no choice but to visit Hobby Town USA more often but their kits are overpriced and they rarely are on sale.
^I have the same problem, as of now Hobby Town is the best bet in town but they’re expensive and the local store is owned by a total jerk. A Hobby Lobby is opening here in a few weeks but it seems it’s opening just as they’re scaling back as a corporation. It’ll still be a welcome addition. We really only have one LHS and they seem to be primarily RC and most 1/72 (I like 1/48). We have another local store that stocks models but they’re no longer stocking Hasegawa’s since they aren’t selling.
I’ll have to go online more and more I guess but I prefer brick and mortar stores… I like going to a store still.
I hate to burst your bubble ,but,don,t hold your breath!!! I talked to my local mgr. and he said that the warehouse sends him what is allotted. SHOOT !, they even STOPPED carrying TESTORS-MODEL MASTER ENAMEL paints.The ware house said the corporate weenies said the sales had dropped in favor of acrylics,which I can,t stand and besides I have over three hundred dollars worth of the enamel.I keep a lot on hand for client jobs. Now I do have to shop my local hobby shop,45 miles away in one direction ,52 in the other!! I have just about gotten fed up with HOBBY LOBBY!!! tankerbuilder
I went to the local hobby lobby yesterday. It seemed to me that the selection had gotten a lot smaller. Also, about a third of the car models were the snap tight kid things. I haven’t built a car model since I was in high school, and thought it would be nice change from the usual aircraft and armor. The most noticable thing was that the prices had gone way up. The price I paid for a Tamiya 1/35 scale German truck, using my 40% off coupon, was the same price I could get it for, buying it at most web based stores. I think I will start doing most of my model buying using the internet. You at least have a better selection. I sure miss having a “real” hobby shop in the area. Still didn’t get that car model either. [:'(]
My HL is doin’ ok, although the model kits have shrunk from one aisle to half that, but they’ve got more armor and aircraft, less cars now… They’d run Hobbytown USA outta town (HT USA was in the same shopping center, just two hundred feet from HL) a couple three years ago… I’ve had a “tame” manager there for a couple years now, and she still manages to get a few more kits aoart from what she gets from the warehouse. According to her, she could pull 20% of her model stocks from other stores, regardless of what the corporate weenies pulled… 'Course, it could just be that I’m devilishly handsome and sly…
Sad but true - my Hobby Lobby has a better aircraft selection than the Hobbytown across the street. Both selections are way overpriced, though.
Personally, I buy as little as I can from HL and HT. I don’t feel either is really looking out for modelers whatsoever (the local HT is 75% R/C stuff and they always look at me funny when I stop in to grab that one bottle of Tamiya paint that I need), and I don’t like rewarding that. I’d rather spend the money supporting the LHS or go online.
Sad stuff! What’s the newest with Hobby Town USA and Hobby Lobby? I have not been to one yet. I just don’t get it. I live in the Washington DC area and the nearest Hobby Lobby is 32 miles from my house!! With Hobby Town, the two nearest me are 31 and 7 miles. I have a Michaels close to my house but they only sell 1/48 Revell. I want to collect 1/72 for space and money reasons.
Vivian
My HT is much the same with higher prices and not a good selection of kits. Within the last couple of years, it seems as if the selection has also been slimmed down as well. There is a great LHS in town, but it is a 45 minute (in good conditions) drive to get there with poor highways and heavy traffic!
Consider yourself lucky if you have any type of LHS.
In the 24 years I’ve lived in Sarasota, I’ve seen a dozen shops come and go. All we have had for the last several years is the model aisle in Michael’s and a train shop.
I use the train shop for glue, paints, etc., but get everything else online, mostly from Sprue Brothers and Squadron.
Mark
Mark
If you ever visit the Ft. Lauderdale area, I highly recommend you go by RC Hobbies on Mcnabb Rd. and University Dr. From the strip mall parking lot looks like a tiny hole in the wall until you go inside! [:P] When I lived in Florida I used to go there all the time. They have a HUGE selection of paints and kits. I wish I had something like that near me now in SC. Make sure you call before driving south since I think they still close on Wednesdays.
I’m saddened to see all the bad experiences with HobbyTown. I’ve been going to my local HobbyTown for the past ten years or so. I guess with me being a “regular”, I’ve gotten discounts simply by asking for one from time to time. The manager knows that, while I might not always drop some major cash at the store, I am a regular. He treats me quite well and orders stuff I need even if it’s a little $5 1/144 Dragon kit. His prices are even reasonable no matter if I’m in there to buy a regular kit or a larger RC purchase.
Eric
I know that shop in Fort Lauderdale! Incredible place. My wife’s grandma lives near it, and that’s how I discovered it. Haven’t been there in 7 years though. Live near DC (where there are no hobby shops).
Well, for what its worth, HL sent me a response regarding the survey I completed. Concerns noted and forwarded to the higher authorities in the company.