The Hobo Camp Fire Is going well #IX.. Stop In!!!

[nachoman]

Did buying on the Internet cause all of them to go away, or is it the hobby that's declining..... or both????

Cannot support local businesses if they don't have what you need, so I'm ready to send an order to Walther's, either that, or drive to Obie's and hope they have what they show on their website. Let's see, drive 140 miles round trip and hope they have something you can use, or just order exactly what you want and have them drop it off at your front door.... tough choices....

I think internet buying did some in.  But I don't think it is that simple.  Some had owners that wanted to retire.  I don't think they are very profitable businesses compared to others, and I think younger people have no interest in owning such a business because there are much better ways of earning more money.   I think people in general are busier, and would rather shop online and have it come to their door.  Younger people don't enjoy walking into a store as much.  Remember, just about all brick and mortar retail is dying with the exception of a few big boxes.  I think the heyday of this hobby was probably 1960s-1970s, but I don't think it is declining much right now.  I see plenty of online interest, and interest from some pretty young adults.  They are mostly on social media groups rather than discussion boards like this.