Hi All,
:o
It was reported today that MODEL ZONE may/is going into Administration,
If you have placed a deposit for an item I would recommend you run down to your local store and ask for it back toot sweet....
:goggleeyes:#
Taken from wikipedia pages today :-
Modelzone also stock exclusive limited edition models made by Corgi and Hornby.[8] Alongside its own retail website, the company is also a listed seller on Amazon.co.uk.[9]
On the 25th June 2013 they filed a notice to appoint administrators (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html))
:o
Hi all :wave:
I heard today in my local model shop that they have gone into administration :o
dave :unimpressed:
It was mentioned on either Radio 4 or 5 (can't remember which one I was on at the time) and it said they had called in the administrator and were making staff redundant, they called it a "modelling company" lol
Caz
Sad to hear, they didn't have much N stuff, but the staff at the Glasgow branch
were always polite and friendly.
One of the problems is that they bought out a number of other shops - including some with long histories of giving good service - like the model shop on Deansgate in Manchester. It'll be a real shame if those places disappear from the high street... Though I suppose one might be able to argue that their original owners sold them to ModelZone because they could 'see the writing on the wall', and they might not have lasted as long as they did if they'd stayed in 'private' hands.
Anyone know if this affects The Signal Box in Rochester, as I have a coupla pre orders on with them and need to know whether to move them elsewhere. TIA
that's a shame
i hope no one is made redundant and that a new buyer can be found
they have bought out some good n gauge rtc limited editions. some good oo gauge limited editions too i noticed.
tim
Both ModelZone and Signal Box's websites have gone onto the (now common) administration blurb :(
N gauge stocks in the Leeds branch have been low for some time but they've carried far more in the past.
As MZ had 47 stores nationwide, of bigger concern is that it'll be harder to get hold of basic modelling materials such as paint and glue, as well as losing a high profile "shop window" for N gauge and railway modelling in general in the High Street or shopping centre.
A shame - I was very impressed with the Reading branch
Holy Cow, I bought 6 Peco double slips from the signalbox 2 weeks ago. I got them very fast, 6 days later here in the States.
Jamie
Can't say I've ever been to one... But it's never a good thing to see someone going under
Have to put my opinion in here.We have a Modelzone shop here in Doncaster and despite their hilarious pricing policy,I have always received good service from them.
They have a good bunch of blokes working in there who I hope are well prepared for what may be coming to them.I think that Modelzone,although not the biggest chain of shops probably went too big too soon.By buying up so many shops that were'nt doing particularly well probably is/was their coffin nail.I mirror everyones opinions about the fortunes of another high street shop chain and as we all know,theres blood on the high streets with more to flow.
It is sad that they are the latest casualty and I believe that our high streets will be a worse place without them.
I have,in the past,bought most,if not all of their limited edition RTC stuff apart from their 08 shunter Ivor.When the class 24 in RTC livery came out,I waited a while until I could justify buying one,then when I went out to buy it,they were out of stock.Within a few days my phone rang and sure enough,a Modelzone RTC class 24 was waiting for me which I duly snapped up and it is one of my best models,better now I've fitted it out with dcc sound.
Our shop in Doncaster is perhaps a tad different to those such as Signal Box in that it caters to all aspects of toys/models.It isn't solely a model railway shop so this is perhaps the reason why their prices are a bit expensive but I still don't want to see it disappear.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
Quote from: Pete Mc on June 26, 2013, 11:38:18 PM
Have to put my opinion in here.We have a Modelzone shop here in Doncaster and despite their hilarious pricing policy,I have always received good service from them.
I used that shop when it was TAG's, originally by the station, it was always a good shop.
However I am not surprised at the news based on my recent experience of modelzone on the south coast.
dodger
MZ also caters for other hobbies including plastic kits and radio controlled models but after the administration process is finished I hope their new buyer will take on some of the shops so that they maintain a High Street presence, even in a scaled-down form, and TAG Models and The Signal Box sold to their own managements and prosper.
TAG models was great, even after the move from the shop by the station. It went very downhill after the MZ takeover, however.
I'll miss being able to pop into the Peterborough MZ at lunchtime for a browse but at least it will remove the temptation of the large-scale kit of NCC-1701 calling me from the window!
I wish they'd bought Access Models in Newark.
Allan
TBH altho there staff are helpful when ever I have gone into Model Zone shops I have always walked out empty handed as they are way to expensive.
My experience of MZ is based on poor customer service I received.
One customer was asking if anyone had ever made a Lancaster bomber in 1:24 scale. The shop assistant (late 60's) said no. I later told the customer that heritage aviation produced one and that they sometimes come up for sale on ebay. At this point the assistant interrupted our conversation to tell the customer I was mistaken and who could imagine such an enormous aircraft and the very idea was laughable. I wasn't very impressed with his (incorrect) attitude.
Another instance was at a different branch, where a Farish Seacow hopper was labelled as an OBA, with a much lower price. It was also in the sale. The end was a bit battered and so I inquired if I could buy it for a couple of pounds less. I was told no. I then asked what was to become of it now that they knew it was damaged - "oh it'll probably go in the bin". I got it at a knock-down price, but I can't say I ever went back.
Just my 2 cents
Paul A.
I've always found the Crawley branch staff to be very helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to deal with.
over the years I've used them for paint, glue, tools and kits, and always found their service great.
two examples :
One time I saw a green split headcode box farish class 37 on display, but at a much higher price than I'd seen it listed at Hattons.
an assistant asked if I was interested, but I explained the price difference, and he said they'd match the cost I'd pay, ie price plus the £4.00 p&p.
SOLD.
a few months ago I went in to see if they did spares for an indoor helicopter my son in law got me, due to digital interface malfunctions I'd knackered a link in the rotor head, and the guy I saw said he was sorry, they didn't.
he then asked what part I was after, and when I told him, he said he thought they'd got a faulty one of that type out the back.
a few minutes later he came back with the chopper, removed the complete rotorhead and rotors, gave them to me, and added ' that should do you'.
when I asked how much I owed for them, he said nothing.
you'd go a long way to get that sort of service from a lot of local model shops.
I shall certainly be sad to see them go.
just my experiences.
Just taken delivery of a £40 purchase from Signal Box which was posted out yesterday. Guess I can count myself lucky.....
Quote from: newportnobby on June 26, 2013, 05:20:26 PM
Anyone know if this affects The Signal Box in Rochester, as I have a coupla pre orders on with them and need to know whether to move them elsewhere. TIA
Mick, play on the safe side, get your money back ASAP. If Rochester are affected due to their relationship with MZ, then you can bet your bottom dollar that you will lose your dosh only to be added to a long list of people wanting pay-back.
(Nothing personal to Model Zone, as i hate to see people lose their jobs but at the same time i hate to see people lose money)
I wish MZ staff well and all the best for the future.
Isn't it usually the case with pre-orders though that payment is only taken when the item is in stock ready for despatch?
Paul
If they are in administration i think you can say good bye to your money! CC company may be your best option?
Quote from: Sprintex on June 27, 2013, 11:38:37 AM
Isn't it usually the case with pre-orders though that payment is only taken when the item is in stock ready for despatch?
Paul
Not all companies work like that, I use one model company for r/c models and if I preorder the money is taken straight away ::)
Quote from: scotsoft on June 27, 2013, 11:44:37 AM
Quote from: Sprintex on June 27, 2013, 11:38:37 AM
Isn't it usually the case with pre-orders though that payment is only taken when the item is in stock ready for despatch?
Paul
Not all companies work like that, I use one model company for r/c models and if I preorder the money is taken straight away ::)
That was my fear too John :hmmm:
holly crap!!
just ordered a few locos,coaches and rolling stock from the boys at sig box, very helpful i'd like to add last week. they told me it left that day so fingers crossed i might be lucky.
im glad i read this as i was just about to do a large order for a work mate worth a mint, i wonder if they would of told me
bart
thanks guys
Hi
I have placed several pre orders over the years with both ModelZone and The Signal Box, I was never charged until the items were despatched.
Cheers
Paul
I can second what Paul has just said about pre orders.
I've never been to a Model Zone but would miss The Signal Box if it went, a friend and I have made a couple of day trips there, had a good look at the well displayed and priced stock and never left empty handed.
Desperate shame for all MZ employees :(
I would emphasise no money has been passed to the Signal Box for pre-orders, and those orders have now been transferred elsewhere :)
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html)), if you scroll down on that page you will see a link re Hornby's connection with MZ. Sorry no link my laptop ain't behaving lately. Cheers john.
Quote from: painbrook on June 27, 2013, 05:17:58 PM
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10141388/2000-jobs-at-risk-as-Dwell-Internacionale-Ark-and-ModelZone-head-for-administration.html)), if you scroll down on that page you will see a link re Hornby's connection with MZ. Sorry no link my laptop ain't behaving lately. Cheers john.
Happy to help out ;)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10146498/Hornby-hit-by-collapse-of-key-customer-ModelZone.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10146498/Hornby-hit-by-collapse-of-key-customer-ModelZone.html)
cheers John.
same here i ordered the farish ivatt 2mt as it was just 58 pounds now they are over the 70 mark now.
just hope al the staff are looked after
bart
Shame, they were good for offers. Got some airfix/revell kits when they was on 3 for price of 2. Offer hard to beat.
Are the MZ stores still currently open and if so has any one been in and found they are cheaper than normal now they are administration ?
I was at Merry Hill yesterday, and apart from the Administrator's official notice nothing seemed different. I would not expect low price offers anyway. The administrators would not want to take value out of the business which could reduce the sale price of the whole enterprise. MZ probably does not own much of the stock -as a Hornby concession the Hornby, Airfix, Humbrol and Corgi stuff belongs to Hornby.
If a buyer cannot be found then liquidtion would follow at which point a decision is taken on how to extract as much cash as possible to satisfy statutory liabilites and other creditors. That might involve selective price cuts.
I was at Sunderland today and no change in prices .
Quote from: diesel on June 28, 2013, 11:02:36 PM
I was at Sunderland today and no change in prices .
Yeah, but that's just full of Mackems !!! :D
Had to google Mackem to see what it meant , thought it was an obscure
type of rolling stock. ;D
ps is it pronounced as in bake or as in sack ?
Sack ;)
hi all,
i just got a reply from pete at sigbox, still trading so my orders are good and still still have my pre order for the 2mt so fingers crossed they can trade out
bart
Quote from: 1936ace on June 30, 2013, 08:27:38 AM
hi all,
i just got a reply from pete at sigbox, still trading so my orders are good and still still have my pre order for the 2mt so fingers crossed they can trade out
bart
Hi Bart, i dont want to alarm you but they would say that....
My brother had stuff on order with Jessop's (a UK high street camera retailer whom went bust earlier this year. Despite being told everything was ok by staff in reality they went bust before they could deliver......
My brother is now £80 out of pocket and chasing them up (as in at the back of a long que of owed people)
Im not calling Signal Boxes integrity into qustipn here btw, as they clearly know more about the situation than me.
I just dont want to see you out of pocket thats all.
You could always cancel your order with SB and create a new order for the same items with them but PAY ON CREDIT CARD if your order is over £100 GBP. That way your money is safe if the shop stops trading overnight for instance.
Best of luck and i hope it works out for you.
Hi all,
Signal box models still trading and supporting their customers.
My delivery of the 50, 46 horse box and cement wagons arrived today nice and safe.
Peter has kept me informed the whole time which must be hard for the staff to keep positive(just gone through reform with another pommy boss appointed and 900 jobs gone last friday with another similar amount to go by the years end)
Just thought they needed a good mention
Bart
Hi All
Looking a little bleaker for Modelzone, perhaps? Had to go to Merry Hill tonight, and the store there was just about starting a liquidation sale, so I ended up with the ModelZone exclusive RTC shunter, one I've had my eye on for a while, but hadn't bought, but I guess chances to buy it are diminishing. Oh yeah, a 20% discount was applied.
I do hope ModelZone, and associated companies do come out of this is some viable form.
Cheers
Tony
Time to have a look in ours then. At 20% discount it might actually be comparable to prices elsewhere.
They have had item at a sale price and the staff has been marking them back to full price.
When the sale starts with 20% off it is not as good as it might seem.
An example I can give is a helicopter they have at £9.99 sale price, back to full £12.99 for a couple of days then 20% off, so 20% off £12.99 is £2.58 = £10.41.
Sneaky beggars these liquidators, it's all about perception.
I got this info from a Modelzone member of staff.
cheers John.
I was talking to a couple of workmates today,one who I have worked with for over 4 years who is a truck/lorry/commercial vehicle modeller,the other who is a new starter at our firm and oo gauge modeller and they said the former owner of TAG's in Doncaster is or may be interested in buying the shop from Modelzone should that be an option.This obviously depends on whether the Modelzone brand/chain is bought as a whole concern or split up with individual shops being sold or closed down.I can't see such branches such as Signal Box closing down though as they have a presence within the model railway fraternity that is both enduring and reputable.My thoughts about Modelzone are that they went too big,too quickly,gobbling up shops here,there and everywhere.There was even talk of TAG Modelzone moving from their branch on Netherhall Road in Doncaster to the Frenchgate Centre at one point but this has not happened,probably due to their ambitious,possible over ambitious plans to expand.
From what I have read of the situation in the city sections of various newspapers,the business as a going concern is not the problem.What is the problem,which is what prompted the receivers to be called in is the situation with the rents and rates of the many shops that Modelzone occupy.Its sales have fallen but not overly so,apparently people may be skint,they're just not that skint so they're still spending money on their hobbies.So this situation whereby the rents and the costs of opening new branches over the last year or so have meant that the debts racked up are no longer sustainable.
Its easy for us all to say that had the economic crisis not been so long lasting things would have been different,but I think there are things that various businesses could learn from the brutal way that businesses,particularly retail businesses have ceased trading.On top of Modelzone's appointment of receivers,there are 3 well known cloting chains that have called in the receivers as well.
Its the battle of the fittest.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
At least with it going into receivership there is a chance that the shops can be bought out. An awful lot of empty shops are empty because the company that closed the shop is still running and the landlords would rather keep making them pay rent on the empty shop until the end of contract than risk a new tenant.
Alan
Was in Glasgow MZ today,20% off stickers about , but not sure
if applies to all stock. They had a Gaugemaster Combi ,20% off
would be good. Stock of N items a bit sparse. Still a big stock of
aircraft , ships and afv kits and scenics and paints etc.
On another tack Jessops in Glasgow busy and well stocked
almost as if nothing happened.
I did not realise that Modelzone is in receivership. As far as I can see the last news was that it is in administration. Can someone point me to where the announcement has been made about receivership, please?
i got some coaches today and got 20% off, so really they were just similar price to hattons et al anyway, but still, no postage and a good deal to be had. i was told there was 20% off all graham farish items, but i had to ask as there were no signs on them. paints / scenics also discounted i noticed.
tim
The Liverpool shop had the same offer.
Posters in the windown described say there is a liqudation sale. Despite this , I was also told there where 8 interested parties in buying the business, but not sure if this will include all the shops.
Some of those interested may well be people wanting the stores for something else (eg Tesco !) and others will be asset strippers who simply want to pick it up rock bottom flog the lot and move on.
Personally I think you'd need a screw loose to get into the retail trade
I was in Modelzone Glasgow this evening. Big posters up announcing all stock up for liquidation. 10%, 20% or 30% off. However, on looking at some of the prices, I reckon they've started by putting everything back up to the RRP before taking the discount. So not very impressed.
They had even less n gauge than ever. I saw 2 locos....full-stop. Both 20% off. Both diesels - of which I know nothing about, so I can't tell you anything, sorry.
Oxford die cast, buses only, reduced from around £6 to £5. Hardly grabbing me.
Maybe there are better deals elsewhere in the country people can get.......
MZ in Peterborough now have 50% off all paint and tools. I've picked up some real bargains, ranging from Tamiya Masking Tape and Milliput through to an airbrush and magnifier goggles.
I'd get there fast if I were you...
In Birmingham MZ today, I spoke to the manager and i expressed my best wishes to him and the company for the future.
He said a high level meeting was happening today, although he seemed to think that a solution was doubtful.
He confirmed that the rumor about the old owner buying back the business is a no goer as well.
Prices were 20% reduced but still above RRP.
Best Wishes and good luck to all staff.
Closure of all stores has been reported on other lists.
:(
Cheers,
Alan
Been into the Signal Box in Rochester today. They confirmed that they will be closing (no date yet) and all N gauge is 30% off (or more)
Picked up a Graham Farish 371-603 Class 42 in Maroon for £34.99!
Now that's a deal.
Quote from: 47033 on July 13, 2013, 03:54:32 PM
Now that's a deal.
Hoping to pop in for some more bargains when I'm next in Rochester on Tuesday, hope they're still open!
Staff said didn't know when they would be closing and were fully expecting to be given no more than 24 hours notice!
I will miss The Signal Box, I used to visit once a year on my holidays, I always found their prices competitive. I have only used Model Zone once so I can't comment on them. I now need to find another model shop with reasonable prices and lots of N gauge near London.
:NGaugersRule:
Do try Kent Garden Railways. Despite their name they have a lot of N-gauge stuff; typically two cabinets of new locos (some US, but mostly Farish), a large under-the-counter display of Dapol stuff, and then a fourth selection of stuff that's mostly used, some British, some US, and some European outline locos. In addition, there's three cabinets of new British and US rolling stock and usually a couple decent boxes of used rolling stock as well.
Prices are reasonably good. Dapol Class 22 for example was £115, so within a few quid of what you'd pay at a box shifter. Used stuff is fairly well priced too; one of my recent purchases was a mint-condition NCB Class 14 for £45, and there's a Modelzone special Class 24 at £65 if I recall correctly. Older used locos seem to be around the £40 mark.
Their selection of N-gauge kits is good. All the usual Metcalfe kits, as well as plastic Kestrel kits; rather fewer Peco or Ratio kits whenever I've visited. If you're prepared to rummage through
three or four dusty boxes in the N-gauge section you can also find all sorts of wagon kits (including N Gauge Society kits and Taylor Precision Models kits) and any number of whitemetal kits, transfers and so on. There are a lot of US kits too, but I haven't much looked at those so can't comment on the depth of their range or their prices.
I've yet to make it to The Signal Box; thought about it today, but it's a long way from the western end of Hertfordshire where I live. I've found Kent Garden Railways much easier to visit because it's in the Travelcard zone (5 or 6, I think, for St Mary Cray) so I can roll it into other activities in London.
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: silly moo on July 13, 2013, 04:15:17 PM
I now need to find another model shop with reasonable prices and lots of N gauge near London.
Swansea one has a few coaches some WDs and thats about it in N - and at 20% off still more expensive than elsewhere...
Alan
Well, I've just been in to my local branch and snapped up the last limited edition IVOR class 08 shunter in RTC livery that they had in stock.
I'd been umming and erring about it since release as I've got the rest of the RTC livery stuff they bought out (including the Autocoach exclusive to The Signal Box) but didn't really want to pay £83 for it, Today I got it with 20% off and thought I'd better get it now because I assume it will become difficult to source and prices might rise on eBay once it is unavailable.
I'll only miss Modelzone for the few N gauge exclusives and for general browsing, I always did think their prices were too steep for most things. The Signal Box on the other hand, I really hope manages to break away from modelzone and keep going as you could get some good deals from them.
I feel sorry for all the staff who currently don't know if they still have a job to go to every day when they wake up. One employee was telling me that when they close any stock that isn't sold will be binned which really shocked and appauled me, despite that fact he was unwilling to do any deals if I bulk bought items which was a shame.
That's just crazy to bin stuff but I suppose it's the world we live in today. You would think there would be a more sane alternative.
If a business goes into administration or liquidation their stock cannot just be binned,
it is the responsibility of the administrator or liquidator to safeguard the company's assets,
although damaged or shopsoiled stuff might be chucked out. Thats the theory.
In the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow, one of the 2 Modelzone locations in Glasgow, there
was a clothing store a few years ago which went bust. An aquaintance of mine
who is an industrial cleaner/maintenance worker was clearing out the dumped
stuff , mostly old packaging and asked me if I wanted a red parka which was there.
I took it off him for free, turned out to be Goretex hill jacket costing about £250.
Got him a pint for his trouble. :D
Which also means if for example someone has offered said receiver a price on all remaining unopened Bachmann stock then they won't necessarily be trying to clear the shop 100%, merely get more than the offer.
Alan
Was in St Enoch (Glasgow)branch today, picked up a few N Gauge
items discounted, brings the price similar to Hattons. N gauge stock very small,
but not much less than before administration. Still large stock of paints, scenics etc.,
and v large stocks of Hornby and ship, plane and military kits.
Staff reduced but still polite and business like, hope something works out.
Popped into Signal Box in Rochester again today.
Bought a few items (everything is 30% off).
Main purchase was a Dapol ND129A A3 "Lemberg" for £83
That's a good deal , Glasgow 20% off, some aircraft and military stuff 50 %.
They had a few basic Hornby train sets ( local goods type ) quite cheap.
Quote from: SymonC on July 16, 2013, 07:19:46 PM
Popped into Signal Box in Rochester again today.
Bought a few items (everything is 30% off).
Main purchase was a Dapol ND129A A3 "Lemberg" for £83
I called in also, got a Farish Class 46 for just under £25.
Crikey! That's a heck of a deal. I wonder if it's worth making the trek on Saturday? Was there much in the shop or is it all half-empty shelves by now?
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: Thorpe Parva on July 16, 2013, 08:10:46 PM
I called in also, got a Farish Class 46 for just under £25.
Quote from: NeMo on July 16, 2013, 09:02:41 PM
Crikey! That's a heck of a deal. I wonder if it's worth making the trek on Saturday? Was there much in the shop or is it all half-empty shelves by now?
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: Thorpe Parva on July 16, 2013, 08:10:46 PM
I called in also, got a Farish Class 46 for just under £25.
They had loads of stock as at 1pm today!
and a quick call to say hello to peter and i just could not resist also
another 46,50,40,108,42 plus wagons.
they are all for little zac who turns 5 next week :D
bart
I popped into the Manchester Deansgate branch this morning and as suggested above, even with the 20% off there isn't much difference from the Hattons price. I picked up the triple pack of weathered shell tanks for £26 while I was there though as well as some evergreen strips and balsa wood.
I asked the staff what would be happening to the stock if they didn't shift enough of it and they suggested that although they were getting the mushroom treatment from above they hinted that there may be further reductions to shift it later and it may be one to watch.
Some branches elsewhere were closed for good yesterday.
Peterborough branch closing for good today. Real shame. :thumbsdown:
In central Glasgow Modelzone today, sign said model rail 20% off
marked price excluding Hornby stuff. (Don't know discount on these)
About 40-50 Farish items, mainly modern wagons, but a some Mk 1 coaches,
maroon, choc&cream and SR green. A handful of diesel locos. Got a Farish SR
pillbox brake van , same price as Hattons, but no postage. Still large stocks
of model kits. Might be worth a visit if passing.
Went into the Lakeside branch on Saturday, as I was passing. That one is definately closing, although the staff haven't been given the decency of any timescales to work with. I bought a couple of Peco model kits and some paint, although as has been pointed out, a 20% discount to their prices often doesn't match a reasonable competitor.
I'll be visiting the Bluewater one on Friday (if its still there). Given the huge overheads of the shopping centre, and the fairly tiny size of the shop, I'd expect it to close.
Does anyone know the definiate fate of the New Oxford Street branch or of The Signal Box in Rochester?
new Oxrord st closed " for redevelopment" a few months ago- before the current problems
Quote from: Railwaygun on July 24, 2013, 10:56:01 PM
new Oxrord st closed " for redevelopment" a few months ago- before the current problems
Do you think they will bother now :D
The central London store reopened only a couple of months back. Would be shame if it closed already.
Quote from: Richey1977 on July 24, 2013, 11:44:54 AM
I'll be visiting the Bluewater one on Friday (if its still there). Given the huge overheads of the shopping centre, and the fairly tiny size of the shop, I'd expect it to close.
I wouldn't bother with Bluewater if you're after N gauge stuff. I was in there a couple of weeks ago and the only thing they had was the Modelzone limited edition Class 08 from Farish. Some of the diecast model cars were tempting but even at closing down prices they weren't cheap enough for me...
I went into Modelzone Doncaster(Tags) this afternoon for some bits and bobs.Looks like Rail's are getting an order from me.I wanted some points and diamond crossovers or single slips but all the Peco stock had been removed from the shop.There was plenty of Hornby stock but as we all know,Modelzone are only holding Hornby stock for sale and don't actually own it.There was some Farish stuff but there was no discernible reducrion in price,ie £95.99 for a Farish class 70,£77 for a green class 24.Still cheaper from Rails.
Anyway,whilst in there I had a good chat with a couple of the blokes in there and rhey told me that if a buyer is not found,all Modelzone shops will be closed for the last time on August 24th.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
Holborn store closed as being redeveloped
new Oxford st store opened in MAy
Fate unknown at the moment!
Although I knew from previous visits that there was almost no N gauge stock in the Westfield shop in Stratford, I thought that I would have a look anyway to see what their prices were now like, and found that all their tools were 50% off ! - I came away with an expotool gravity fed airbrush & compressor set for £54 and a few other items which made the visit well worthwhile - there were a couple of blue riband RFO's and an Ivor in the display case still, but that was 4 days ago.
Crikey...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10208880/ModelZone-collapse-leaves-debts-of-11m.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10208880/ModelZone-collapse-leaves-debts-of-11m.html)
:(
You're not kidding! £11 million in debt. Not good for Hornby either taking a £200k hit.
Gareth
£11 million isn't that much for a high street retailer with 47 stores, I've seen much smaller companies go down with MUCH larger debts ;)
Little consolation to the suppliers that will not see their money back I know, or the staff that will be out of a job :(
Paul
I was speaking to the guys n gals at sig box yesterday when buying some more stuff( just trying to help them out I'm telling the better half) and they were still hoping that someone would buy that store.
Bart
I was told by staff in Modelzone Bluewater the other day that one of the managers at The Signal Box was in the process of acquiring new stock to start up his own model shop.
Good news, if it happens.
Quote from: Richey1977 on August 01, 2013, 01:22:47 PM
I was told by staff in Modelzone Bluewater the other day that one of the managers at The Signal Box was in the process of acquiring new stock to start up his own model shop.
Good news, if it happens.
Invicta Models - already up and running http://www.invictamodelrail.com/ (http://www.invictamodelrail.com/)
This isn't a direct result of the Modelzone Administration however; it has been in the planning for a while and they left TSB some time ago...
It just goes to show that when one door closes, another one opens................
I hope that all the staff at MZ and signal box find other jobs soon and my best wishes go out to all of them.
Quote from: PLD on August 01, 2013, 06:02:44 PM
Quote from: Richey1977 on August 01, 2013, 01:22:47 PM
I was told by staff in Modelzone Bluewater the other day that one of the managers at The Signal Box was in the process of acquiring new stock to start up his own model shop.
Good news, if it happens.
Invicta Models - already up and running http://www.invictamodelrail.com/ (http://www.invictamodelrail.com/)
This isn't a direct result of the Modelzone Administration however; it has been in the planning for a while and they left TSB some time ago...
Well this is good news indeed. It means I have a local(ish) model railway shop. Brilliant.
I guess the admin. will pull the stock back and sell it online as that seems to be the usual way nowdays and cheapest way to maximise profit from the stock
Dave
Quote from: bbdave on August 03, 2013, 07:58:46 AM
I guess the admin. will pull the stock back and sell it online as that seems to be the usual way nowdays and cheapest way to maximise profit from the stock
Dave
Erm no... Quite the opposite...
As mentioned several pages ago in this thread, one of the
first things they did was shut down the websites and STOP all online sales...
I asked the staff who told me the Leeds branch will close on 13th August.
Today I bought materials including paints, plastic sheet and Evergreen plastic sections.
There's very few N gauge items in stock, one Farish 3-car DMU in blue, some Oxford Diecast buses and Peco track and accessories.
Quote from: bbdave on August 03, 2013, 07:58:46 AM
I guess the admin. will pull the stock back and sell it online as that seems to be the usual way nowdays and cheapest way to maximise profit from the stock
Dave
You may be comparing this to Woolworths which shut all it's shops but still exists online - well, the current website is unrelated to the "old" Woolworths - someone just bought the brand name and domain from the Administrators.
Phil
Modelzone Doncaster,formerly TAG Models closes for the last time on saturday 10th August.I called in after seeing the newer signs up saying "Closing in a few days" and bought a Bachmann Scalescenes n gauge washing plant and low relief block of flats.Don't know why I bought the flats bit I did anyway,all for the princely sum or not so princely sum of £36.40.
Whilst in there I spoke to a few of the blokes who work there,three of which are at or over retirement age and are already thinking of their retirement plans.One chap who was a radio control expert and in his late twenties was poached by a model engineering company that makes large model trains so he is sorted.The manager is also retiring,so is the bloke who was with TAG's when it first opened when I was a lad.I'm 44 next week so by my estimates,TAG's opened around 1980ish.
So,with all the anguish that the closure of a business brings,the chaps here have already made plans,however,talk remains that the former owner may open a new shop in due course and grab a slice of the now model shop free zone that is Doncaster or more importantly,model railway stockist free zone.For now though,my local model railway shop is Rails.I have spent many hours in there and spent many pounds.
I don't see this changing in the future unless whoever decides to start selling model railway stuff at competitive prices.My formula is this:Price of model/item+1 gallon of diesel=price I pay.
Currently,Modelzone could not get near this price so this is why I chose to drive over to Sheffield from Doncaster and I get to talk to enthusiastic people whilst I'm there such as Ollie and Pete.
Modelzone was useful for some bits but overall,due to their pricing policy,stock buying policy and the fact rhey never had anything I needed,I kind of thought "how do they stay in business if I can't get what I want,when I want?"
Writing was on the wall for some time I think.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
Is the Glasgow St Enoch store still open?
Regards,
Alan
Going to my bank in Buchanan st today, will post
any news later today.
Does anyone know when the birmingham city centre store closes?
:thankyousign:
Quote from: Agrippa on August 06, 2013, 01:01:50 PM
Going to my bank in Buchanan st today, will post
any news later today.
St Enoch store still open today, staff not sure how long to go.
20% off Farish , Peco etc. 50 % off Tamiya & Humbrol paints,
and modelling material, glues etc.
Still got blue pullman set , 20 odd GF wagons,
and about 5-6 coaches + a bogie bolster wagon.
Quote from: Woolleysh33p on August 06, 2013, 01:16:19 PM
Does anyone know when the birmingham city centre store closes?
:thankyousign:
I was wondering that :laughabovepost:
Im off to MerryHill tonight. I will check this branch out. Being one of the smaller stores, i doubt it though!
I will report later what the situation is.....
Quote from: OwL on August 06, 2013, 05:33:45 PM
Im off to MerryHill tonight. I will check this branch out. Being one of the smaller stores, i doubt it though!
I will report later what the situation is.....
Called in at Merry Hill a couple of weekends back and was starting to look very sorry for itself. Discounts off everything except Hornby stuff, but very little from other manufacturers
Quote from: scoop115 on August 07, 2013, 01:47:18 PM
Quote from: OwL on August 06, 2013, 05:33:45 PM
Im off to MerryHill tonight. I will check this branch out. Being one of the smaller stores, i doubt it though!
I will report later what the situation is.....
Called in at Merry Hill a couple of weekends back and was starting to look very sorry for itself. Discounts off everything except Hornby stuff, but very little from other manufacturers
I agree with the above. Paint all but gone!
Still open but Hornby still above rrp price!
Only two N gauge items, a coach and an Ivor 08 shunter. Both not my era!!
I went to Invicta Models yesterday. Decent selection of stock (and they can order stuff pretty quickly), and a nice little premises with room to expand. It's only a few doors from the station, too.
Their prices are fair. The Farish coaches and wagons were priced roughly equivalent to most online shops. I didn't happen to red much Yesterdat apart from some Ratio concrete walling which I got for the same price as I was going to pay online, and a cheap Hornby power controller to tide me over while Gaugemaster look at my regular one.
This is now my favourite place. Aside from any outrageous discounts online, I'll use Invicta. It's local, and the people seem decent. That's as much as you can ask.
Last day for the Hull shop today. A suprising early casualty as the staff had apparently been told they were 'in the top 10'...
Now looking very bare - the Hornby Lorry arrived on Wednesday and collected all their remaining stock. It never was a particularly good shop for N-gauge and even after 20% discount what little Farish Stock they had was above the prices of the big on-line sellers. Still, I managed to spend over £40 on materials, paints etc plus a couple of Oxford Diecast trams which were marked at £4.95 -30% which the till somehow worked out to be £2.19!!
Said goodbye and good luck to the staff; pleasingly the two I talked to today both already have new jobs lined up with other outlets in the same shopping centre.
Paul
Was in Croydon (surrey) today.Popped into M/Z in the shopping center. Picked up some lineside huts,fencing and ballast all at 20% off.Some diesel locos, carriages and lots of wagons left at 20% off,ballast and javis scatter etc,grass mats and one or two back scenes.No 'Oxford' diecast in 'N ' however .
an email today from MZ
Modelzone Limited in Administration
You are receiving this email as at some time you have either purchased from or subscribed to Modelzone Limited and so we wanted to let you know what is happening with the company and thank you for your custom and support.
As you may be aware, Modelzone went into administration earlier this year, however, we have a number of exclusive in-store offers available which we will email you details of over the next few weeks.
Of course we respect your privacy and if you don't wish to hear from Modelzone please click here and your details will be removed from future communications*.
Once again, Modelzone would like to thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in-store soon.
Has anyone visited the Signal Box in Rochester yet? Or know what's happening with it? It's a bit of a trek for me, but on my few visits has always been worthwhile. Would be a shame to lost it.
Cheers, NeMo
In Leicester today and noticed that the Modelzone store has already closed and been emptied :(
Quote from: NeMo on August 13, 2013, 05:28:37 PM
Has anyone visited the Signal Box in Rochester yet? Or know what's happening with it? It's a bit of a trek for me, but on my few visits has always been worthwhile. Would be a shame to lost it.
Cheers, NeMo
As per previous references in this topic... :read2:
[Also to close, but no date fixed as yet - may be the last to go...]
Have a couple of emails from Model zone unread. Has anyone received similar?. Wary of opening :worried:. Cheers john.
See email received above
Quote from: painbrook on August 14, 2013, 08:14:04 PM
Have a couple of emails from Model zone unread. Has anyone received similar?. Wary of opening :worried:. Cheers john.
I have had these emails. They are ok!
The one is letting you know they have entered liquidation, and anotherone giving you vouchers for some items (no n gauge :thumbsdown:)
That will be that then, cheers Wooly. john.
In Birmingham today and the staff reckon they will struggle to last till the end of the month. All of them have at least one interview in local shops, and the manageress has already been headhunted.
Plenty of stock of all sorts, but as has already been reported, the discounted prices are still higher than their competitors.
Closing down sale, last few days
Save at least 20% in-store on remote controls, die cast cars and motorbikes, plastic model kits and military toys.
All accessories including paints and crash kits
are at least 50% off too!
well its a sad day the last few store have been given the end dates, modelzone and signal box will close it doors on the 14th of sept a few people on this site know that i am the store manager of the crawley store which will shut for the last time next thursday i would like to say thank you for anyone who has used my store
kind regards darren
Is there a definitive list of what stores remain now and when they will close?
Regards,
Alan
yes there is a full list of when each store will close
Is it online, or can it be shared here?
Thanks,
Alan
its not online
i can get the list for you of what store are left and do a post tomorrow on here
That would be useful, especially for those closing over the weekend ...
Why don't you ask Darren if he can get a better discount than the general public, put a knife in his chest and twist it?........or am I missing some banter here?
Sorry to hear about your job loss. Good luck in the future.
weave
at my store is now discounted at the same price i get things for
As Weave said, I wish you all success in finding a new job, Darren. Please keep us posted.
thanks i might do some modelling for a bit i want to get started on a layout so this could be the push i needed to get things moving
Hi Gang,
Don't bother with Bristol....no N Gauge when I was in yesterday.
Later,
Stu from EGDL
Today I visited the Harrogate store, asked a member of staff who said they're closing on 12th September.
There was little in N scale, some Peco track, two Farish Mk1 Pullmans in reversed blue/grey and a few Oxford Diecast buses.
However I was more interested in buying materials and bought sheets of plastic and grass matting, even now there's still quite a lot of Evergreen plastic sections, plastic sheet, Woodland Scenics materials, grass matting, paints and glues available for sale there.
Thanks for info GC, I wonder if the different branches have different closing
dates. May visit the Glasgow branch tomorrow, they still had large stocks of
scenics, paint etc at 50% of last week + about 30-40 wagons and coaches.
What happens to your warranty once the shop is gone. How do you get on if there is a problem
Bart
Obviously you cant go back to the shop, but I'm sure the manufacturers' guarantees would still apply.
Also possible protection if you have paid by credit card, though not sure if that applies if you bought
something and paid by cc after administration was already in operation.
Quote from: Agrippa on August 27, 2013, 12:57:35 PM
Obviously you cant go back to the shop, but I'm sure the manufacturers' guarantees would still apply.
The notice in the shop made it pretty clear that you are screwed if it happens as far as the shop is concerned. Your dispute is with the shop so it would depend if manufacturers guarantees were offered as well.
Didn't look into it any further because their final sale prices with no returns were higher than Rails prices !
Alan
I had a reason to go past the former Modelzone shop in Doncaster yesterday afternoon,formerly TAG's.I read a link to the local weekly rag that is Doncaster Free Press saying rhat the former owner,who sold out to Modelzone in 2009,had kept the leasehold to the shop in his posession.
A little sceptical of this I took a little detour along the road that it is in and can confirm that it is indeed being repainted and looking likely to reopen once more as TAG's.
Hopefully,the once great shop before Modelzones national buying policy took hold,won't reoccur and it'll be a good place to buy model railway stuff again.As it'll be an independant shop,he will be able to respond to what the local market requires.I am considering offering my services as a n gauge dcc sound installer if he and the local market wants it.I am not holding any hopes for this but if in the slightest chance that he decides that this is something he might wish to offer,then I would be happy to provide this service.As a sometime customer of Modelzone,former work colleague of one of the staff in there,I regularly,over the last 8 minths showed them my work.Their opinion was that had TAG's stayed independent,this would've been a service they could've provided.Without talking to the owner,I can't say whether this'll be the case now but offer my services I will.
Modelzone always had a policy whereby they would sell an item,lets say for instance,a nitro powered r/c car,but if the owner broke it while using it,they wouldn't bother repairing it even if they made money from such a repair.This is where the independent shop can make a bit of money.
I'll just have to wait and see.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
Good luck to you Pete. I hope a phoenix arises from the ashes in Doncaster and that you are able to some work out of it.
All the best :thumbsup:
Anyone know if the Birmingham store is still open, and what the levels are like ?
Heading off to the Princess Elizabeth AGM tomorrow, & SWMBO says I can call in for some supplies :thumbsup:
Quote from: MikeDunn on August 30, 2013, 06:08:25 PM
Anyone know if the Birmingham store is still open, and what the levels are like ?
Heading off to the Princess Elizabeth AGM tomorrow, & SWMBO says I can call in for some supplies :thumbsup:
Good news for you, I was in there this afternoon!
Still got N Gauge but even with 20% off they are still on par with other retailers, got lots of paint and brushes left though.
Don't build up your hopes as there are lots of empty shelves!!!
well, fingers crossed for Woodland Scenics stuff then :thumbsup:
I bought some in Bristol yesterday (last day) and it was £1 a bag. Needless to say stocked up big time!
Richard
Glasgow central branch still open, not much N stuff, GF green horsebox , suburban coach
and a few wagons. Still quite a lot of paints and scenics, 50% off.
Went on the off chance that the Sunderland branch was still open but no such luck now closed
Quote from: OwL on August 30, 2013, 06:50:50 PM
Still got N Gauge but even with 20% off they are still on par with other retailers, got lots of paint and brushes left though.
Don't build up your hopes as there are lots of empty shelves!!!
Called in before I headed to Tysley to see
Lizzie this afternoon ...
A bit disappointing ... had vague hopes there might have been an airbrush compressor in, but they went (50% off) the first week ... Picked up some WS stuff @ 20% off; that'll keep me going a while ;)
Pretty much all the Hornby stuff was left (I would have thought they'd have collected by now, but no), and a lot of Bachmann & GraFar - but as Owl says, those prices just came to what I can get them for elsewhere (with a return in case of issue as well).
They close on the 12th apparently; seems daft to me, closing on a Thursday ? I would have thought doing it on the 14th would have been better ?
Quote from: MikeDunn on August 31, 2013, 09:23:20 PM
They close on the 12th apparently; seems daft to me, closing on a Thursday ? I would have thought doing it on the 14th would have been better ?
Two days extra pay, electricity etc.
I guess they calculated that any additional revenue from those two days would not be more than the costs. Last days at retailers often have more to do with contract terminations/availability of transport etc. than customers.
Cheers
Dave
In MZ Glasgow today, N rolling stock down to about 10 items,
still a lot of paint, scenics etc , plus a few Kestrel kits and
Peco lectrics and some N Track. Still tons of planes,
tanks, ships etc.
Glasgow MZ closing today, called in on the chance there might be an " everything must go for £1" event , but
no luck, blue GF class 25 still sitting there at 30 % off ie about £60. Bought quite nice Airfix biplane kit to
renew my aircraft modelling skills. Staff still friendly despite drawn out closure. I know MZ wasn't everyone's
cup of tea re prices and range of N stuff, but it was handy to buy small Peco items , paint, materials etc,
and the people there were always mannerly and polite.
As I was in town, popped across to MZ Birmingham, "just in case".
No such luck; doors locked, almost all shelves cleared, large boxes on the floor, and a single member of staff wandering around desultory (so that part was the same :P)
Looks like it's purely Ian Allen from now on.
Mike
Can confirm that the Signal Box in Rochester closed last week, they had put a handwritten "Goodbye" sign on the door which thanked their many loyal customers. Must have been a very hard thing to do!
It will be greatly missed by me as was only a few miles away :(
Whilst in Chester last week I visited the modelzone shop , that had just 3 days before closing. Not much N left, and what there was had 30% off. Paints and glues were 50%, and I managed to buy some of the American embossed plastic sheet at 50% off that is normally a silly price. It's finer than Slaters but retails around four times as expensive.
Chatting to the manager it was formerly his family business and he sold out to M/zone a few years back. Asking about the 30% off he said he could not reduce anything more than directed. He said the receivers did not care if stock was left they would simply auction it off. The demise of M/zone will put many out of work and goad many more to shop online. Nothing wrong with online shopping, but it's nice to have a choice and a local supplier. Sadly I envisage more small shops closing as they find it hard to compete with their overheads.
Steve
Falmouth