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Author Topic: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow  (Read 938 times)

Offline Rusty

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Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« on: January 28, 2023, 01:06:10 AM »
It is with sadness I report tomorrow is Riverside Hobby Shop in Sebastian, FL last day.  They had been in business over 20 years.  The owner passed away about 1.5 years ago.  His wife has been running it since to sell down the stock.  I am going there to see if any 1:64 plywood is left and pushrods.

Last year another hobby shop in Sebastian, BT Hobby closed.  I bought 15.5 pounds of hardware for 50,00.  It is a very good assortment like hinges, horns, bolts, screws, etc.

I think no hobby shop will negatively affect the club.

Offline goozgog

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2023, 05:51:14 AM »
Hello Air Master,

  Sorry to know about your local
hobby shop closing. That will make
things awkward when you just need
small items.

  Reading the thread about the cost
of shipping kits and supplies over
30" and fuel supply issues, it got me
thinking that what we need are local
supply depots where these items could
be delivered in bulk.

  Then it occurred to me that I was
describing a hobby shop.

Cost effectiveness matters so the
future of hobby shops might not be
so bleak.

Cheers! - K.


   
Keith Morgan

Offline George Grossardt

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2023, 06:23:38 AM »
Since I don’t count our pathetic Hobby Town in Green Bay a hobby shop, we haven’t had a real hobby shop in years.  Thank goodness there are options to buy what we need from small vendors and have them shipped to our door.

Online Dan McEntee

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2023, 08:50:55 AM »
    That is sad to hear. I don't care what can be said about what you can buy on line and the "right to your door" convenience of shopping that way, NOTHING can take the place of going INTO a hobby shop to even look around at stuff that you might not even consider buying. It's the atmosphere and the possibility that maybe you will find something new. I worked part time at a local shop for over 35 years, and I can remember the look on some customers faces and they just slowly walked around trying to take it all in. I know times change and trends change, but I keep hoping that things can also change back to something like they were. Amazon is laying off thousands and closing warehouses. Maybe that's a sign that younger generations are starting to trend the other way as they realize there really is something to the personal touch of going into a brick and mortar store. I know mail order won't completely go away, but for some thing, personal service goes a long way. A store and it's personnel just need to learn how to provide that,
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee
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Offline Jim Svitko

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2023, 10:26:59 AM »
Sad to see it happen but that is how things are these days.  It is not 1955 anymore, when nearly every kid would look forward to a hobby shop visit.

There are too many distractions now, too many other ways to be entertained, thanks to high tech games and other such things.

Here in DFW, two well-known hobby shops closed up within the last few years.  One is left, near me, but his focus is mainly RC cars and making custom parts for the large RC jets.  At times, I can't get music wire from him.  His supply of balsa and plywood is about non-existent.  I can understand why that is--not enough people are building anymore, so why stock what is not going to sell very well?

If the large RC jet craze ever stops, this particular hobby shop will probably close, too. 

Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2023, 10:57:50 AM »
I'm amazed to learn that Sebastion, Florida is Balsa City, USA. And, while I hope Dan is correct, I fear he is not. My son and his wife (40+) apparently buy everything online, including dinner. They seem to think $50+ tip for delivered dinner is a good deal. My mind is blown!  :o Steve
"The United States has become a place where professional athletes and entertainers are mistaken for people of importance." - Robert Heinlein

In 1944 18-20 year old's stormed beaches, and parachuted behind enemy lines to almost certain death.  In 2015 18-20 year old's need safe zones so people don't hurt their feelings.

Offline Wayne Collier

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2023, 12:09:11 PM »
    That is sad to hear. I don't care what can be said about what you can buy on line and the "right to your door" convenience of shopping that way, NOTHING can take the place of going INTO a hobby shop to even look around at stuff that you might not even consider buying. It's the atmosphere and the possibility that maybe you will find something new. I worked part time at a local shop for over 35 years, and I can remember the look on some customers faces and they just slowly walked around trying to take it all in. I know times change and trends change, but I keep hoping that things can also change back to something like they were. Amazon is laying off thousands and closing warehouses. Maybe that's a sign that younger generations are starting to trend the other way as they realize there really is something to the personal touch of going into a brick and mortar store. I know mail order won't completely go away, but for some thing, personal service goes a long way. A store and it's personnel just need to learn how to provide that,
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

Well said.

The local hobby shop was where you discovered things you never knew existed.

Folks tend to overlook the fact that while online purchases have been booming, as of just a few years ago, something like 70% of online purchases were for items that the customer was familiar with or had at least seen in person at some point. A few years ago, and maybe currently, lots of electronics merchandisers were struggling with customers visiting their stores, asking all kinds of questions, and then walking out the door to purchase online from another retailer. Point being that although it was an online purchase, the research was in person. As stores close, this dynamic will change.

Alarming is the number of “mom & pop” hardware stores and lumber yards that are closing. Those account for over half of the “home improvement” business in the US.

Anything could happen. I saw a display of vinyl records in Walmart a few days ago.
Wayne Collier     Northeast Texas
<><

never confuse patience with slowness never confuse motion with progress

Offline Rusty

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2023, 03:49:17 PM »
I got all the 1/4 balsa at both closures.  Today I got some 24 x 36 1/64 plywood and full tube of 2-56  pushrods, long and short.

I got all I really need to last until my tour of duty on earth ends.

I do feel for people without a stash of supplies.  The cost of ordering small parts will kill enthusiasm.

Offline Ken Culbertson

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2023, 04:01:55 PM »
The shops don't stock anything because no one builds, and no one builds because the shops don't stock anything.  We have a 1,000 year supply of built planes just hanging in garages and shops around the country, and yet we have a BOM rule.  I feel like I am trapped in a Joseph Heller novel. LL~

Ken
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If it is not broke you are not trying hard enough.
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Offline Rusty

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2023, 04:21:14 PM »
The shops don't stock anything because no one builds, and no one builds because the shops don't stock anything.  We have a 1,000 year supply of built planes just hanging in garages and shops around the country, and yet we have a BOM rule.  I feel like I am trapped in a Joseph Heller novel. LL~

Ken

That is so true.  I have so many planes I don't have room for anymore. It's like over 25.  I try to get rid of 1/4 scale ones but all club does is foam- electric.  No builders and few nitro.  Saito 150 is way out of their realm. 

I just can't throw away good flying planes.  I did give Bob Whitney some planes.

What do you do? 

Offline kevin king

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2023, 05:06:35 PM »
How lucky those are to live near Brodak Manufacturing.

Offline Mark Mc

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2023, 05:25:11 PM »
I'm always thinking of alternative materials, and it keeps coming down to going back to the beginning and using whatever cloth on hand for hinges, or thread from Jo-Ann's or Michael's.  Ply or bent metal control horns.  Fuel tanks made from the empty can from whatever was for dinner last night.  Things we had to do when allowance was short and pre-manufactured accessories were for the rich kids.

The reality is, if I just stop looking at people's build threads here or at plans on Outerzone and build what I have in the closet, I'll be set for building projects for the rest of my life.  I've got enough odds and ends to make up pretty much anything I need to build.  If not, I'm sure fellow club members can help me out.  If I really get real, I'll actually spend time flying and crashing to winnow down the models on the shelf to make room for more builds, as well as actually learn how to fly.

But that doesn't mean I miss wandering around the hole-in-the-wall hobby shop, smelling 40 years of balsa dust and spilled dope and glue.  I was just thinking a couple of hours ago how I used to love going to the shops and asking the owners if anyone had brought in any old engines that needed any love and attention. Those days are over....

Mark

Online Dan McEntee

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #12 on: January 28, 2023, 06:19:24 PM »
The shops don't stock anything because no one builds, and no one builds because the shops don't stock anything.  We have a 1,000 year supply of built planes just hanging in garages and shops around the country, and yet we have a BOM rule.  I feel like I am trapped in a Joseph Heller novel. LL~

Ken

  The shops don't stock anything because no one builds,,,,,,, period. You can't ask them to invest in inventory, even glue, if everyone is buying on line. It really is a regional problem, though, worse in some areas than others.. Lots of economic change and just plain passing of time is the issue here where I live. Lots of modeler have left town chasing jobs, or just passed away. The shop I worked at hasn't carried an engine of any kind in years, because NO ONE was buying them. Electric had taken hold and even that has faded a lot.  The market and demographics have changed so much, that they have reduced the size of the shop to expand the shipping department because they sell far more over the internet than they do to walk in trade. The pandemic had a lot to do with that but it also let a lot of people in other parts of the country , and even in other countries, discover the shop web site.  You can't expect a shop owner to stock items that will not move, just because you want it and you are only one of maybe three people that would purchase it. He has to cater to the masses, or he can go find a job at Mickey D's!!  It all begins and ends with the market, the customer!! You have to have people that want it! Then fill the demand. That's business 101.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee
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Offline Colin McRae

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2023, 09:32:49 AM »
It is also happening here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some long-time shops have closed. Those that are still open now cater to model trains, RC cars, RC planes, etc. And mostly electric. And don't carry any fuels, or just high nitro fuels for helis & RC cars. And very little or no CL inventory. I love to visit hobby shops but am forced to buy CL related products and fuels online. Not what I prefer, but just a fact of life for the local CL hobby.

Offline Ken Culbertson

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #14 on: January 29, 2023, 12:20:30 PM »
I have had "the discussion" with at least three shop owners.  One is now a chain, and the others are closed.  All agreed that if we, as builders, came to them 10 years ago as a group (club, etc) and agreed to buy from them and tell them what they needed to stock, they would have probably kept enough in stock to satisfy our needs, especially props balsa and fuel. We didn't see this coming any more than they did until it was too late.  I place a lot of blame on manufacturers and wholesalers for requiring such large orders from the hobby shops that they could no longer afford to order.  Fuel and Balsa ranked high on that list.

So, saving the LHS is a pipe dream today.  Best we start developing our own sources and give them enough business to stay in business.  EG:Call our Vendors before you click on EBay.  We need to have our sources with solid web sites that work or even combine some of them to make it easy to get quick service and perhaps get large enough to get decent freight terms.   This is all probably a pipe dream.  I have an MBA so I know full well all of the reasons this probably will not work but it perhaps worth the discussion....maybe? 

Ken
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USAF 1968-1974 TAC

Offline John Carrodus

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2023, 10:56:17 AM »
This has to be the most depressing bloody story I've read and contributed to in Stunthangar. It seems to me the only hope for the future of Control Line - as for any hobby, sport, or tradition  - is kids. Until their interest is excited by inviting them to the field, demonstrating in  schools and public events, glamourising the hobby in the media etc etc , we are doomed to go the way of the white Rhino. S?P Perhaps we could get into free flight high altitude balloon cross country distance competitions?? LL~

Offline Gerald Arana

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Re: Last Hobby Shop In My Area Closing Tomorrow
« Reply #16 on: February 04, 2023, 11:19:42 AM »
That is so true.  I have so many planes I don't have room for anymore. It's like over 25.  I try to get rid of 1/4 scale ones but all club does is foam- electric.  No builders and few nitro.  Saito 150 is way out of their realm. 

I just can't throw away good flying planes.  I did give Bob Whitney some planes.

What do you do?

I haven't built anything in 3-4 years for the same reason! I'm getting the building bug and i have to clear out my "stach" of used (RC) planes so I can get to work.  n~

Cheers, Jerry

PS: That emogy says it all!


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