Another model shop closure-Hannants at Colingdale.

**wonwinglo** · 21-02-2006

Sad news announced today,Hannants at their Colingdale store are closing its doors on 31st May 2006.

**Bluewavestudios** · 21-02-2006

Always sad when a Model shop closes down as I have seen a few in my own area do over the years.
Yes I know the internet is very competitive these days but that is what these shops need to do...get themselves online and offer a competitive service, they will still make gains from both local people and a much wider market on the net.
I know I still like to be able to walk into a shop and browse to see what they have, if it is a well stocked shop I usually end up buying loads if I see the items in front of me...somehow the internet hasn't quite captured that part of the market yet as not all shops list all their goods on there.

Regards.....Mark

**Bunkerbarge** · 21-02-2006

So sad to see the modelling world head in this direction. The internet will never be able to offer that personal service that we all want from a model shop.

Maybe forums like this are going to become the only places that newcomers to the hobby are going to be able to get advice and guidance in the future. It is never going to be quite the same as browsing the shop and having a chat with a knowledgeable staff either in person or on the phone.

Hannants has been a big name in the business for a long time and it is a shame that they haven't been able to remain in business.

I think Mark has an excellent point in that existing shops are not embracing the internet and using it to attract more business. Too many are allowing it to take thier trade away and are not moving with the times.

**wonwinglo** · 21-02-2006

Apparently something to do with the lease not being available for renewal.
However, there is now some good news!
"A new "Hannants London" model shop will be opening just a short distance away in Unit 2 on the Hurricane Industrial Estate. This is on Grahame Park Way and 200 yards north of the entrance to the RAF Museum. This will be an independantly owned franchise of H.G.Hannant Ltd managed by the current shop manager Garry Linsdell. There will be plenty of parking, you will still be able to use the Colindale tube station and it is even closer to the RAF Museum. It is intended that the new unit will open on June 10th but this will be confirmd nearer
the time."

**Bunkerbarge** · 22-02-2006

That's much better news Barry, it is a relief to know that we are not going to loose another shop after all.

22-02-2006

Zero Models, Canterbury Model Shop, Trains `n Bits, Model world and Model Zone are just a handful of the shops that have closed in kent within the last 5 years! I cant see Ramsgate or Dover holding their shops for long as niether have websites or particualy good stock. That will leave three model shops in the entirity of kent!

I think its common knowledge that the model industry is turning to the web. For the consumer this is a doubled edged sword as while they recieve better prices and more choice, the aftersales service and advice has gone. Its for this reason i try to be as personal as possible to all my customers and will always offer help and advice when need be.

Its going to be intresting to see how the industry moves in the next few years, because, as nigel said to me recently, models are no longer just for kids, they are for 30-somethings who want a lot more than just a 60's bagged kit; roll on PE, AM and VF parts!

I predict that this currant trend of model shops going bust will continue and the industry will see a much further divide between the kits sold as "toys" and those sold as models.

**Bunkerbarge** · 22-02-2006

Squiffy,

I think you have identified the trend exactly, it is now up to you to make the most of the opportunity.

You have it in your means to offer the expert service people want so my best advice I could possibly offer to you from a prospective customer is "Answer your e-mails as soon as possible" Even if you don't have an answer just let someone know that you have received thier enquiry and they will immediately feel happy in the knowledge that you care enough to get back to them. I hate being ignored especially by someone I had intended giving money to and I will almost certainly not chase up an enquiry and I will take my money somewhere else.

Do that well and you are instantly head and shoulders above the rest of the industry.

23-02-2006

Richard, i quite agree, prompt emails and telephone service are essential.

The thing is i kinda wish i couldnt see the trend as its rather heartbreaking whatching the shops, that as i kid i died for, closing their doors.

**Bunkerbarge** · 23-02-2006

When I was a teenager I worked on Saturdays and holidays in a shop. They had toys and models upstairs and pushbikes downstairs.

I was in my element having access to models and the associated gear and pushbike facilities, spares etc. I never took lunch as that was my opportunity to play with all the new demo toys.

I would help to assemble new bikes during the Christmas period when the shop was absolutely buzzing all Christmas week. I loved every minute of working in that shop and I used to visit once every few years when I passed by.

I went past it again only yesterday when I noticed it is now a betting shop. I had to struggle not to well up.

**wonwinglo** · 23-02-2006

I know exactly what you mean Richard,funny how the bike and hardware shops had model sections upstairs,the smell of bikes and parrafin sort of mixed well with the lingering dope and balsa smells ( yes balsa has a very friendly smell,kiln dried wood ) there must have been quite a lucrative business in those days,we had a couple of similar shops in Coventry,one was a fishing tackle/DIY shop which had stacks of kits and wood,another was a toyshop with modelling bits,I remember the friendly ladies behind the counter as I saw how far my sixpence ( dont laugh you wealthy youngsters ! ) would go,they used to keep bashed balsa for me to buy half price,balsa bundles were favourites,and when I ran out of balsa cement a trip to the local newsagent would bring 'Joyplane' balsa cement,this had a different smell to the usual Humbrol,then there was tissue paper donated by the kindly green-grocer,this would be carefully ironed with moms best iron,then wallpaper paste used as adhesive,everything was make and mend and scrimp and scrape,but I would not have changed this for the world,even today I do not like any waste,a plastic dustbin in my garden is full of useable offcuts of balsa,I dig deep into that long before attacking my precious new stocks of wood,this I buy compulsively over the year as and when I see good stocks,it builds up nicely for a big project.
So yes I can understand your plight Richard,those far off days of youth long remain in our minds,but at least we have been there ! drat,I can still smell those hardware shops now ?