Layouts at Hobby Shops

I have always wondered how come hobby shops don't have small layouts in their shops to help get people interested in the hobby and increase sales for those that are already in the hobby. Even a small N-Trak or HO layout would do. I know real estate is important in retail, but they could have shelves under it for stock. I was just wondering!

DJ

 

I agree with you, but here in New York City space is somewhat limited.
Hobby shops that have little layouts in their windows always always put a smile on my face before I walk into them for the first time.
Not everyone can do it but others should try harder.
I have found a couple of hobby shops that have clubs in the basement, but 3 were in Ohio. Not anywhere me at all.
John

 

We have kicked around the idea of building one of the Woodland Scenics layouts for the shop since we expanded last year and now have the room. Several problems keep us from doing so. One, The manager wants the HO scale one. I want the N scale one. Since I am the one who will probably devote the most time to it, it most likely will be the N scale one. The biggest problem is time. After ordering on Sunday and Monday we have Tuesday to catch our breath before the stuff starts coming in and has to be priced and stocked. This lasts until Friday, leaving Saturday which is our busiest day for sales. Eventually it will get done. For now, the Thomas and Brio tables for the kiddies are it. We have invited and hosted the local chapter of the HO club and my Ntrak club once each this year, with decent customer feedback. We are one of the only hobby shops in the area that has room to have a small layout. One hobby shop in our area is so small yet the stuff is stacked to the ceiling everywhere. I always joke with the owner of this shop that if there is ever an earthquake, I will personally come dig him out from under the models.

 

I think that both lack of time and lack of space are the reason why many hobby stores don't have operating display railroads. Yes, they are a great sales tool, but sometimes it's hard enough keeping up with the sales one already has!

In my case, a severe lack of space is the main reason why I don't have an operating railroad. One of these days, we'll have room for one or two.

 

I remember a space strapped store I visited a while ago had an LGB set suspended from the ceiling, going around the entire room. Not exactly a "layout" but enough to guide me inside. (I have also seen this done at a rest stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike!) I feel that this is just the sort of "eye candy" that helps show Joe Public what can be done using certain products. (I for one enter any hobby shop regardless of layout) A small setup in the window is even better, especially where there is a lot of foot traffic.
Just my 2 1/2 cents.


Russ

Hoffman Valley RR


[ 01 October 2001: Message edited by: rush2ny ]</p>

 

I remember as a kid (~ 30 years ago) we had 2 hobby shops in town with layouts. One had a large viewing area (behind plexiglass) where you could stand and follow the train down the length of the layout (maybe 12', before it disappeared behind the backdrop to complete its loop). I can't tell you how many hours I spent watching the trains and marveling at the details. One hobby shop disappeared 10+ years ago, and sadly, the other, this past spring. My kids liked to go see the trains "run".

As someone pointed out, it can be a lack of time and space, as to why hobby shops don't have layouts like they used to. Another reason is that the hobby shops are more "diverse" now than they used to be.... they are carrying more different kinds of hobby supplies than just trains (trains only shops excluded).

One thing is for sure: I think people become more interested when shown what can be down and seeing actual layouts as opposed to looking at static items on a shelf.

Harold