Hobby shops, trains, and holidays just go together

Everyone knows hobby shops, trains, and holidays just go together. Right?

I was recently talking to the owner of my local hobby shop, Cool Trains in Lancaster, Pa. Our chats usually kick off with an update around how business is going. I shouldn’t be surprised that his response is that summer is slow, but that isn’t uncommon. He did share that this summer, although slow, was a busier season than normal.

Ted, the owner, did say he is ready for the rush of the holidays.  It should be noted Cool Trains stocks mostly used O Gauge trains, HO trains, slot cars, and model tanks and airplanes.

Hobby shops, trains, and holidays

Once we get through Labor Day, the anticipation for what I call “Model Railroad Season” begins to rise. In this part of the world the big event is the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association show in York, Pa. in October, followed by the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

I don’t know if there is a better time of year for our hobby than the winter holidays. I always find it fascinating how many stores bring out a model train as part of their holiday decorations. As a model railroader myself I’m thrilled when I see these displays and the way they engage the children who are there with their parents. Seems like the perfect opportunity to have a starter set or two for sale!

Ironically, many of these displays are in stores that do not have trains for sale. Locally, we visit a nursery and tree farm each November to purchase some garland and other outdoor decorations. In the greenhouse is a large G scale display which is accompanied by a scavenger hunt for guests. It’s a great way to keep children occupied while mom or dad do their shopping. Seeing the trains is a natural way to connect with a new audience of potential model railroaders!

The winter season is the busy season for this hobby because we become immersed in opportunities to see trains. The examples above along with regular programming of the Polar Express, trains around the Christmas tree, and tourist railroads leaning into the holiday with Santa Claus trains or Christmas tree trains. When children see something new they are naturally going to want to get on board, pun intended.

Let’s get together

My question to all hobby shops, are you actively removing the obstacles between our future hobbyists and your front door? While the cost associated with model railroading isn’t going to change, are there are partnerships that can be formed between your store and other businesses to bring an uptick in foot traffic for the financial success of each?

Perhaps it’s sponsoring the layout and having a sign to advertise your hobby shop displayed for all to see. Better yet, could you have starter sets available at these locations for families to purchase in the moment.

I’m no businessman and I’m not naive enough to think that there wouldn’t be hurdles to this idea. However, if we, as a collective of hobbyists, continue to believe that the pastime is dying, wouldn’t we want to remove the obstacles keeping kids and families out of the hobby? Particularly instead of making it abundantly clear that those obstacles exist and not doing anything about them?

For any hobby shop employee or owner reading my rambling words, my challenge for you this holiday season – and next – is this: Find a local business that gets busy during the holiday season and partner with them to get a train into their store. This may mean you need do something for them, however, the more trains kids see, the more they are going to want one in their family room.

Chris Montagna operates the Chris’s Trains and Things Channel on YouTube.