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Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 21, 2023 16:51:30 GMT
I checked out Mr. Muffin's Trains website this morning, and this message is on their banner page:
Seems like it was only yesterday, when some brick-and-mortar stores were debating the need for a healthy online website. And now we have one very well-known dealer who's essentially saying, "Don't browse the brick-and-mortar store in-person anymore... please browse and pay online... then if you want, you can stop in the store to pick up your purchases."
Interesting times for sure!!! Although, I've gotta admit... a few days ago I stopped in at Hennings Train Shop in Lansdale PA, and it sure was fun BROWSING IN PERSON vs. scrolling through a website. The old-world charm of a well-stocked store with goods on display is tough to beat.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Dec 21, 2023 18:05:56 GMT
I think that this no in-store browsing notice has been up for a while - what I don't know is if it's become a permanent feature of the Muffins' business. They have a large storefront and operating layout and I would not have thought that they are eliminating all access to that - maybe they will only have pre-arranged events or maybe if you want to browse you need to buy something online first. There could be more to it than that but there's not a lot of point of stocking shelves with product if you don't want or need anyone coming inside to look at it in person.
The demise of Chicagoland Toy and Hobby may confirm that the end of well-stocked bricks and mortar establishment is really upon us.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 21, 2023 20:12:54 GMT
... There could be more to it than that but there's not a lot of point of stocking shelves with product if you don't want or need anyone coming inside to look at it in person. ...
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Post by david1 on Dec 21, 2023 21:56:10 GMT
To be honest I have not shopped a train store in quite a few years. Most of that is due that I don't have a car anymore because of a leg issue. But I'm so used to shopping online for everything even food. I haven't been in a food store either for a couple of years. I'd like to go sometimes just to get out but my back and legs just can't take it.
Any hobby supply I need I can find on Amazon and have it in a day or two. No need to go to a hobby shop. Any train item I can find online, any personal item I can find online, so you see stores are not what the once where and not just hobby shops.
Dave
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Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 22, 2023 0:21:32 GMT
Word from Steve is his business has grown tremendously. And all available space -- including retail -- is currently being used to receive pallets of train shipments, while online orders are being fulfilled. Hence the closure of the retail store for browsing. But that's not a permanent situation. Plans are in place to have a new warehouse facility nearby be the new base of operation for picking, packing and shipping. And the "storefront" will return in 2024. Great to hear Steve's business is doing so well, because he's a real train enthusiast at heart.
P.S. Don't think what we talk about here goes unnoticed!!! 
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Post by david1 on Dec 22, 2023 1:40:49 GMT
That's good to hear, I wish him well and good luck in 2024.
Dave
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Post by Traindiesel! on Dec 22, 2023 2:50:48 GMT
Word from Steve is his business has grown tremendously. And all available space -- including retail -- is currently being used to receive pallets of train shipments, while online orders are being fulfilled. Hence the closure of the retail store for browsing. But that's not a permanent situation. Plans are in place to have a new warehouse facility nearby be the new base of operation for picking, packing and shipping. And the "storefront" will return in 2024. Great to hear Steve's business is doing so well, because he's a real train enthusiast at heart.
P.S. Don't think what we talk about here goes unnoticed!!!
I can confirm this from what Steve told me as far back as April at York. It’s great to see his business and the hobby percolating!
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 22, 2023 13:43:47 GMT
Nicholas Smith has always had a separate shipping department as well as an onsite and remote warehouse. When browsing the store you can usually pick up many of the boxed items but for some products they bring them out from the storage section of the store.
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 22, 2023 13:45:59 GMT
I think the biggest change is MTH going uncataloged announcing new items every day via e-mails. Seems to work for them at this point but may not work long term.
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Post by ron045 on Dec 22, 2023 14:07:09 GMT
I enjoy browsing and being able to see, touch and feel the product before I buy it. When I first started this hobby I had 5 or 6 awesome train shops within 30-45 mins form my house. Now I have to drive an hour to a mediocre overpriced shop.
I do some regional business travel, so I always try to find and stop by brick & mortar shops along my route.
Ron
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Dec 22, 2023 15:05:47 GMT
I enjoy browsing and being able to see, touch and feel the product before I buy it. When I first started this hobby I had 5 or 6 awesome train shops within 30-45 mins form my house. Now I have to drive an hour to a mediocre overpriced shop. I do some regional business travel, so I always try to find and stop by brick & mortar shops along my route. Yeah, I think the primary distinction is the difference between "shopping" and "buying". Online commerce is effectively custom-built for buying -- vast quantities and varieties of merchandise, offered from all points on the globe, available in as little as a day with a click of the mouse or tap of the finger from almost anywhere, anytime. Buying online is vastly superior (and often as cheap or cheaper with free shipping!) to brick and mortar visitation when you pretty much know what you want. OTOH, sometimes the item(s) being sought are more vague and less well defined, or even something you aren't even aware you need or want. In that case, shopping, being able to see and touch the merchandise, even see it being displayed in an idea-generating manner, can be very helpful in making the best choice. Shopping in person in a well-stocked brick-and-mortar store can be priceless if you are seeking inspiration rather than just an efficient purchase transaction.
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Post by curtis on Dec 22, 2023 15:16:02 GMT
I agree with ron045 as I also have lost all close hobby shops and now have to travel an hour one way. I really like seeing it before buying it.
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Post by dennym57 on Dec 22, 2023 15:29:09 GMT
I agree with ron045 as I also have lost all close hobby shops and now have to travel an hour one way. I really like seeing it before buying it. The only real train store here closed due to the owner passing away. It was about seven miles away. Now I have to drive thirty miles to another state and they are not stocked like they use to be. The good news is the repair tech is really good.
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Post by VietnamVet1967 on Dec 23, 2023 23:13:40 GMT
To be honest I have not shopped a train store in quite a few years. Most of that is due that I don't have a car anymore because of a leg issue. But I'm so used to shopping online for everything even food. I haven't been in a food store either for a couple of years. I'd like to go sometimes just to get out but my back and legs just can't take it. Any hobby supply I need I can find on Amazon and have it in a day or two. No need to go to a hobby shop. Any train item I can find online, any personal item I can find online, so you see stores are not what the once where and not just hobby shops. Dave Amazon is a God send for us 80 year old seniors. I made a deal with my grandkids. Make a list of your Christmas wishes and send them to me on an email with a Amazon link for each item and I will pick out a couple for each of you. The days of running around stores are long gone. If it ain't on Amazon you lose.
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