LHS (Local Hobby Shop)

[69NovaYenko]

I read so much chatter on the hobby forums about hobbyist frequenting the big box regional or national chain hobby shop franchises. Or buying kits and supplies on-line.

So out of curiosity I pose the following question.

How many of you have an an old school "Mom and Pop" (privately owned) hobby shop in your area.

And if you do, how often do you frequent your LHS (Local Hobby Shop).

[hgbben]

My favorite by far is Model Empire in Greenfield, WI. So many categories, knowledge and friendly service and support every time I go there which is 2-3 times per month.

[mademan]

There is one small Locally owned shop here.... His prices are a bit higher, but I do support him. I buy allot online, but I always stop in and see Jack ( the owner) and grab kits, glue, putty.

[The70judgeman]

Same as Ben, Model Empire, except I'd go there at least once a week...when I had money. Only, it's in West Allis. The other one in the area is Greenfield News & Hobby. Also family owned and operated. With a little bit of many types of hobbies.

Edited February 2, 2014 by The70judgeman

[jeffb]

we just lost another lhs here in metro detroit. west point hobby went under just this month

[Greg Cullinan]

I have a few locally. Only two are convenient and I stop by probably twice a month.

A few other that are out of the way or a little far I have only been to once or twice.

I am about due for a Saturday drive to the out of the way ones.

[Erik Smith]

One family owned - technically, I guess. B and B Hobbies in Spokane.

The Hobbytown USA is locally owned but a national franchise.

White Elephant is locally owned but a general store type place with models and limited hobby supplies.

Next closest is in the Seattle area...Skyline Hobbies...

Oh, I stop by B and B maybe twice a month. The others if I am in the area (once a month at the most).

Edited February 2, 2014 by Erik Smith

[Matt LeBlanc]

I have to drive 2 hours east or west to go to a lhs.Wish I had one closer.

[Rob Hall]

i probably go to Hobby Depot in Tempe once a month. It's locally owned as far as I know..

[Danny Lectro]

Bruckner Hobbies in Bronx, NY. It's the only decently stocked LHS in driving distance. I get all my supplies there, and I will buy kits there unless there is a huge price difference from buying online, or if they just don't / won't carry something. I'll visit every couple of weeks, if I have the funds to spare.

I will sometimes visit Red Caboose Hobbies in Manhattan, as they have a very extensive selection of paints. I've found some vintage kits there for really good prices, but later releases are just too expensive.

Edited February 2, 2014 by Danny Lectro

[Mopar Mike]

We have Hobbytown here in Las Vegas which is family owned. I go there once a week. Everyone working there are friendly and knowledgeable.

They generally have a good selection and will even hold one for you when they first come in.

Mike

Mopar To Ya

[uncle potts]

My hangout is PatchCraft Hobbies here in Sioux City Ia. Local mom and pop store, I'm there about once a month. Hobby Lobby once every six months, maybe, Michael's, never.

[Ramfins59]

Here in Cranberry Twp., PA I go to Hobby Express, They are very well stocked with models, paints, aftermarket stuff, plastic, wood, glues, etc. They have special ordered stuff for me and called when it came in. I'll shop there usually at least once a month to replenish supplies and also pick up a model if I "have to have it". Otherwise I'll usually buy kits online.

[Dave Ambrose]

We have several locally owned hobby shops within a 30 minute drive. I usually patronized Discount Hobbies in San Diego. They have a lot of good stuff, but most importantly, a huge paint selection. They cover cars, armor, and aircraft. Cars aren't the most popular subject around here, and none of the hobby shops carry a deep selection.

[mk11]

We've got two or three decent hobbyshops here in central Alberta that keep pretty good stock on models and paint. Pricing's been pretty fair. Mostly cheaper than buying online combined with shipping; even more so now with our falling buck...

mike

[RichCostello]

My hangout is PatchCraft Hobbies here in Sioux City Ia. Local mom and pop store, I'm there about once a month. Hobby Lobby once every six months, maybe, Michael's, never.

That place has been there forever.I grew up in Sioux City and went there when I was a kid,and I'm 58!

[mademan]

We've got two or three decent hobbyshops here in central Alberta that keep pretty good stock on models and paint. Pricing's been pretty fair. Mostly cheaper than buying online combined with shipping; even more so now with our falling buck...

mike

where abouts? im in Edmonton lots for work, and back and fourth from Calgary.... wouldn't mind checking them out.

[lordairgtar]

Like hgbben and 70judgeman, I frequent Model Empire and Greenfield News And Hobby. Both are great stores. Also in the mix is Panther Hobbies in Oak Creek, basically a military and armor shop but they have some car kits plus mutually used supplies and some Tamiya paints. In Muskego is Wisconsin Illinois Trains which specializes in G scale railroads, but the buildings are 1/24th scale generally and avail themselves well to diorama making. There is also a small hobby and craft shop just outside of Burlington which has kits and supplies but is mainly geared toward Lionel O guage and HO guage.

[clovis]

There is supposed to be a family owned hobby shop about 55 minutes from me. I haven't been yet, but would like to visit the shop. I am a fan of small business, and would like to support them.

[Modelbuilder Mark]

i probably go to Hobby Depot in Tempe once a month. It's locally owned as far as I know..

I go to Hobby Depot in Tempe, AZ as well. I am in there almost every weekend, picking up supplies or a magazine, seeing if anything new is in. It is indeed locally owned by Dick and Suzzane. They have a frequent shoppers reward program.

[Tom Geiger]

Nothing great right here near Exton, Pennsylvania. We have a Hobbytown that is more of a toy store than a hobby shop. That's why I was considering opening a hobby shop here.

Back when I lived in New Jersey there were three shops within a quick drive. The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen was the closest and okay if you needed to swing by to get glue, putty or the very basics of model paint. Hobbymasters in Red Bank was a step up, but catered mainly to military subjects, which is the passion of the owner. Avenel Hobbies in Woodbridge is the best for car modelers. The owner is one of us and has the most extensive car/truck inventory I've seen. Picture an aisle about 50 feet long, both sides floor to ceiling. And he stocks the better supplies like BMF, specialty glues and Tamiya products.

[Modelmartin]

Here in Mpls/St.Paul we have Scale Model Supplies which is one of the best hobby shops I have ever seen. Kits and supplies selection is second to none. We also have Hub Hobbies with two stores and they are excellent also. There are a few Hobby Lobby and Hobbytown type places in the metro area but I have not been in them. Some go to to Michaels for kits but I do not.

[Foxer]

I'm in the middle of the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts but there's a great LHS only a few miles up the road. He's a car modeler so has good stock and always seems to have whatever supplies I need. He also has R/C cars and planes, trains and many other hobby supplies. It's all pretty much list price but I buy from him whenever I can to help keep it alive.

[mrindy77]

Scale Model Supplies in St. Paul.

[rmvw guy]

This is a link to ours on facebook in Muncie, Indiana. Our club had it's meeting there until it was disband. He has come down on prices as of late but, no discounts. I am waiting on the weather to break here to go out.

https://www.facebook.com/search/str/toys%20forever%20models%20%26%20hobbies/places-named