I just noticed that a new Hobbytown store has opened up in Nashua, NH, only a few months old. I know they are a franchise so was wondering what others’ thoughts were on them? I already have a LHS that I go to on a regular basis that can be a bit pricey at times but always has a decent selection.
The one around here has nothing in trains but some Bachmann, Lionel, and Athearn BB. And all at full list price.
–Randy
Right, what Randy said. We just lost a Slobbytown recently, and GOOD RIDDANCE. In fact, they had just moved into a new location. Their prices were just like Randy said, and worse. They had stupid Lionel toy stuff (no offense but it was), some Athearn stuff and Bachmann stuff. Their train “guy” didn’t even know what On30 was when I asked if they had any in stock. Let’s see, Atlas HO flex track was $7.99 a PIECE. THe R/C planes hanging from the ceiling had more dust on them than paint. And remember, this was a NEW store. I will avoid Slobbytown like the plague.
The same thing here in Plano, Texas. They won’t dare budge from the MSRP, even if it means sinking their ship!
That’s good information to know, I’ll stick with my regular LCS and buying online.
Outside of paint, glue, and beer, I buy most of my items from internet hobby shops exclusively.
The only major problem is that some of the merchandise is going to be damaged, either by the vendor themselves, or by the shipper. These are where the discounts fall into place, and you won’t realize it, until after you get it, and then find out it probably wasn’t such a great deal. You just never know.
Really depends on the owner, we had a great one in town. was sorry to see it close. They had good sales as well as a good selection of trains. Check it out & see for yourself, ask about sales. Jerry
If yall had a good Hobbytown, I am beginning to think it was a rarity. If it closed, there had to be a reason.
Mine, which recently expanded, has a VERY good supply of scratch-building items in brass, plastic, and wood. I don’t buy much from them other than Miniatronics bulbs.
Tom
Not wishing to start a war, but can’t let this misinformation pass:
Yes, damage can occur, but it’s definitely not the general case. After ordering railroad, camera, and computer equipment on-line for about ten years and receiving up to four packages a week, I have received a grand total of one damaged item – a scanner with broken glass, for which I received a replacement in two days without having to return the damaged item. If you’re chronically receiving damaged goods, perhaps you should consider finding other vendors, or at least letting yours know of the problem.
The only major problem is figuring out where to store all the packing material for re-use.
It sure isn’t the norm at all. In fact, I have only received one item that was not as it was supposed to be, and it was a factory defect, NOT a shipping problem.
One in Augusta Ga. There where (3) shops whne I moved here in 2001. (1) in Aiken and (2) in Augusta. Now all we have is Hobbytown. He somtimes has sales but nothing latley. I go there for sratch building, paint and glue. He does get the latest Walthers stuff in and since it is list price you can always find it.
Has nothing in code 83 or DCC. YOu tie a rope around your waste when you walk in so you can find your way out. Looks like my daughters room AFTER a party. [:)]
My LHS is 280 miles away oin Oenage Park Fl.
Ya got to remember that Hobbytown is a chain and they are more in tune with people just getting into the Hobbies that they carry. Its not your Average LHS. Kevin
Dang George, you’re in Augusta? My church goes there about three times a year on a trip to see the last charter member. She’ll be 99 in November. I’ve known her ALL my life. Funny you should mention Aiken, I have family there! Small world.
Here in Northeast Wisconsin, we have 2 - one in Oshkosh and one in Green Bay. The one in Appleton recently closed due to lack of sales. The Oshkosh store has a large selection of model railroading supplies with prices that are competitive with the local area hobby shops.
It doesn’t hurt to look in Hobbytown. I found a FDDM&S Athearn BB. Sure, it was full price but I wanted it. It cost me maybe an extra buck or so and no shipping. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Tom
We have a great Hobbytown here in Indianapolis. The train section is large and carries a lot of great stuff. Prices can be beat online, but you don’t get to try before you buy that way. The prices aren’t too much more either, plus, there’s sales. Also, they give 20% off on anything they don’t normally stock and have to order. That beats the internet boys almost every time! Dan, who runs the train department, is great! His staff isn’t half bad either. They can answer most questions, and if they can’t, they’ll find out!
I’ve heard that most Hobbytowns stink, and that Micheals and Hobby Lobby is the way to go in many places. I’m here to tell you, around here, those guys have nothing. Micheals has a couple of cheapo HO Bachmann sets, nothing in any other scale, and I don’t think the Hobby Lobby even has trains.
I’d at least check the place out, see what’s up, ya know?
As noted above, they are over priced (many items above MSRP), and their customer service is OK at best. I have shopped at a few and they are all the same.
The Hobby Town Chain gives each store a basic start up package. Whcih, includes basic train stuff. We have 3 out here, and the trian selection vaires quite abit. But all in all, there prices are better than full retail. And when visting in Las Vegas, I got my Atlas w/QSI (Santa Fe, B-23)for 165 when retail was 250. All depends on the store and owner. But they are definatly worth checking out.
I agree with Big John…Different stores have different prices and some even advertise in MR and RMC as mail order shops with discount.
So,like everything else first hand knowledge is far better then differing opinions on a forum.