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Hattons model shop closing

Discussion in 'Model Railways' started by tor-cyan, Jan 8, 2024.

  1. tor-cyan

    tor-cyan Well-Known Member

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    bit of a shock , didn't see that coming

    https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail?id=1498

    Colin
     
    tor-cyan, Jan 8, 2024
    #1
  2. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    It begs the question if Hatton can’t carry on how many other suppliers are in danger. Looking at the the extent of Hatton’s advertising it’s also a big hole in the advertising revenue of the model press
     
    Johnb, Jan 8, 2024
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  3. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    Nor me - I much preferred Hattons to Rails of Sheffield.

    I have two existing pre-orders with them but the FAQ doesn't make it very clear if they will fulfil the pre-order or it's dead in the water? Either way, I've decided to cancel them.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2024
    The Green Howards, Jan 8, 2024
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  4. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    I bought my first HO model. a BB16000 class, from Hattons in 1966 followed by a further model of the same type about six months later. I recent years, after a change of gauge, I purchased some Aristocraft G1 scale models from them. Good people to deal with and it is sad to see them leave the model trade.
     
    Greenway, Jan 8, 2024
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  5. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Plenty of model shops who are willing to pick up at competitive prices the pre orders . I'm a big fan of Tony's trains at Rugby who not only has an excellent shop, plus an online presence but is also a volunteer on the GCR

    I think there is a lot more to Hatton's decision than is being said but maybe as a result of decisions made rather than an indication model railways are in terminal decline
     
    Sidmouth, Jan 11, 2024
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  6. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    I was a student in Liverpool 30 years ago, and remember their small shop on Smithdown Road. I was surprised, as a non-modeller, to discover the size of their most recent premises, even (especially?) knowing that their business has long been weighted towards mail order/internet.
     
    35B, Jan 11, 2024
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  7. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Interesting thoughts from TTC Diecast as well

    "Disappointing to hear the news at Hattons yesterday, but for us, even more disappointing that they’ve pushed their pre orders customers to move their orders to one of their biggest competitors!! A company that probably had a part to play in why they are in this position in the first place.
    There are loads of smaller model shops out there that need support, and will probably give you a more personal service… why not even go into the shops themselves and talk to them instead of online sales. (Yes we understand there may not be a shop local to you, but isn’t that a point in itself?)
    There may have been a local shop before the internet took over!
    After all hattons were the leaders of pushing you to the internet in the first place… they may have been the reason you don’t have a local shop anymore!
    Ironic that the innovator of the ‘online model shop’ is the first to throw in the towel..
    Shop local again… there aren’t that many more savings to be had shopping on line… talk to your stores. They may price match…"
     
    Sidmouth, Jan 11, 2024
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  8. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    I got my Railway Modeller today, complete with Hatton's advert.

    Clearly the decision to close was either covered up until the last moment or it came as a surprise to all.
     
    johnofwessex, Jan 11, 2024
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  9. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    Due Monday at 1900
     
    johnofwessex, Jan 14, 2024
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  10. D1002

    D1002 Resident of Nat Pres

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    D1002, Mar 13, 2024
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  11. simon

    simon Resident of Nat Pres

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    simon, Mar 13, 2024
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  12. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Last of the stock been donated to Bala Lake I saw on another forum.
     
    Matt37401, Mar 13, 2024
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  13. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    Spotted that on the HRCA forum. Quite a few kits, I understand.
     
    The Green Howards, Mar 23, 2024
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