05-14-2009, 10:30 PM
Funny that you should ask about this. I had also recently started a thread here <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1224">viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1224</a><!-- l --> about a famous Toronto LHS (George's Trains), which is closing down its more downtown location and moving to a store just outside of the city. About two years ago, George's took over the second/newer store because its owner had suddenly died. Now, they are closing their flagship location and moving out to this suburban store. This change is mainly due to rising taxes and the fact that the suburban store is simply less expensive all round.
Another LHS, closer to me, seems to be doing well. I've purposely NOT made any eBay MRR purchases during the past 3-4 years and have bought all of my MRR items from hobby shops. Sure, I might save a few bucks on eBay, but I'd sooner spend a little more and keep my local hobby shops going. I always appreciate their advice and comradery.
I've also heard that LHS's generally do well during recessions. The logic being that people will forego expensive vacations or major purchases, but will still treat themselves by buying smaller items such as model trains. The same thing goes for things like chocolate! I also heard on the radio that chocolate companies (such as Cadbury's) are booming. Again, people forego the expensive trips and huge purchases, but treat themselves in smaller ways. Even during the Great Depression of the 1930s, chocolate companies did very well.
Rob
Another LHS, closer to me, seems to be doing well. I've purposely NOT made any eBay MRR purchases during the past 3-4 years and have bought all of my MRR items from hobby shops. Sure, I might save a few bucks on eBay, but I'd sooner spend a little more and keep my local hobby shops going. I always appreciate their advice and comradery.
I've also heard that LHS's generally do well during recessions. The logic being that people will forego expensive vacations or major purchases, but will still treat themselves by buying smaller items such as model trains. The same thing goes for things like chocolate! I also heard on the radio that chocolate companies (such as Cadbury's) are booming. Again, people forego the expensive trips and huge purchases, but treat themselves in smaller ways. Even during the Great Depression of the 1930s, chocolate companies did very well.
Rob
Rob
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