Modelzone - Peterborough

[Trains4U]

I found out yesterday that Modelzone's relentless expansion is continuing with the opening of a new store in Peterborough City Centre

 

Jobs are being advertised in the paper and online for their "Exciting new Peterborough city centre store"

 

 

I guess they'll be trading in time for Christmas.

 

crumbs...

[Mike Bellamy]

Not too much to worry about Gareth - I would guess that the only direct competition would be for the 'new train set for Christmas' market as they are in a central location - but then I assume places like Argos are also active at that time of year. From experience of the Derby store, the railway side is just a small part of what they do with more space devoted to diecast, plastic kits and radio control stuff. Most of their stock is around list price but they do offer 10% to Bachmann and Hornby Collectors Club members - as well as members of local model clubs.

 

I'm sure you already have a loyal customer base . . . .

 

Mike

[pete_mcfarlane]

Like Hobbycraft, Modelzone are great for buying Humbrol paint on a Sunday afternoon when you've run out and proper model shops are shut. For everything else they are massively over priced.

[Dan Griffin]

wouldnt worry too much either if i were you. one thing that strikes me is that youve said 'city centre' location. well if people have a choice of going into that place or going to a big nice shop with free parking outside the city centre i know where id rather go...........

[Oldfield_Park]

I remember the Beatties in the Queensgate, I wonder where the ModelZone will go?

 

I don't doubt that I will venture to the ModelZone in passing whenever I go up there, but I quite enjoy the stroll out to Fengate - not to mention the lower prices and vast selection... I don't think Gareth has much to concern himself over.

[Oldddudders]

Presumably Modelzone have appointed Tri-ang man to manage this new branch? We know how well-qualified he is!

[Western Scottish]

I quite like the new Model Zone that opened about a month ago in Glasgow. Great selection of kits, die cast and radio controlled stuff. Used to think R/C stuff was beyond me but they had a very tempting Spitfire @£149. Was sorely tempted . They seem to have a full range of Hornby (well whatever is in the Hornby warehouse!)and look to be increasing their range of Bachmann. But the prices.............. even the new Hamleys is less expensive!

 

Its a shop that its worth keeping an eye on for the occasional bargain or limited edition, but for me ,its got to be our local model shop D&F, friendly knowledgable staff and less expensive. And although I've never been to Peterborough I suspect it will be the same for you Gareth!

[60B]

Gareth, MZ have limited railway modelling stuff where as you specialise in it. Sure the "trainset market" may suffer but you have a foothold on the regular buyers and knowledge where as the staff there are likely to have little to none.

[pondy]

It will probably lead to more trade 4u. Modelzone will sell a starter set and then you could sell the rest of the model railway to new customers.

Mind you it does give three reasons to go in to the Queensgate centre now, one being Jessops and the other being the revamped burger bar outside that people are complaining about.

 

Actualy, nearly forgot the fountains, quickly Gareth, dig up your car park and put some fountains outside the shop! Trains 4u is now saved .

[woodenhead]

My local Modelzone is in the Trafford Centre, it started out with a focus on railways but has over the years moved over to collectables, cars, R/C and aircraft, the trains are probably 1/6 of the shop and overpriced.

 

They might take some local footfall away from you but those that know you are there and what you sell won't be going anywhere different.

[hoovernut]

i would not loose any sleep over MZ opening a shop in peterborough Gareth. From past experiance they are only interested in selling and not giving the customer the full pakage and thats why the clever people who do pay your shop a visit come back time and time again. Also i cannotsee them having an open day.

[Mike Bellamy]

Also i cannotsee them having an open day.

Actually the Derby store was talking about doing this one evening and staying open for club members - don't know if they plan any special offers - if not then why bother as they already open 7 days a week with a couple of late nights so it's not as if we don't get enough chances to go there

 

Mike

[HerbertHopkins]

I found out yesterday that Modelzone's relentless expansion is continuing with the opening of a new store in Peterborough City Centre

 

Jobs are being advertised in the paper and online for their "Exciting new Peterborough city centre store"

 

 

I guess they'll be trading in time for Christmas.

 

crumbs...

 

I don't think you need to worry too much. I used to visit Peterborough regularly a few years ago and, as I recall, as well as Beatties there were also two other model shops. I'm sure there is enough room for both of you. Also, in my experience, Railway Modellers will always go to a specialist shop first rather than one of the chains. As pete_mcfarlane says, they're ok for buying paint and the like when everywhere else is shut, but I'd never buy a loco from them, preferring to deal with someone like yourself. I'm sure I'm not the only person who thinks like this.

[Ed-farms]

The only thing any Modelzone has going for them is their limited editions (TPO's etc.) apart from that I buy nothing from them, £200 for a sound fitted Duchess which is RRP near enough - much better off going to a modelshop like T4U.

 

One time I went into a Modelzone the staff knew nothing about DCC control and how point decoders work - much better service at a proper model shop me thinks.

[Adam1701D]

Don't lose any sleep, Gareth. I popped into the MZ in Doncaster that was formerly TAG models (a not bad shop) and it was terrible, with a fraction of the stock from before, full RRP and no secondhand. I'll keep slogging to Fengate!

[47401]

Like others I have been into both the Nottingham and Derby branches and the shops have a limited selection of railway stuff, all at full price. The rest of the shop is taken up with plastic kits, radio control and diecast models. Probably best described as being similar to an old Beatties! I do keep a watch on them as they have the occassional bargin on end of line diecast (got a nice Corgi Vampire!) and got some Lydle End at half price for step son but have not really bought any railway stuff there.

 

Don't think the traditional model railway shop has much to fear.....

[Dazza 50 015]

I agree with all the comments on here, about not having anything to worry about. But i think Trains4u should get themselves a decent easy to use, updated regularly website. Modelzone i have noticed have just changed there website and i dont think its up to much, cant even find the exclusive models they have coming out on there.

 

 

I have used Trains4u and will continue to do so, as a dedicated railway shop, it cant be beat...

[Jenny Emily]

Modelzone i have noticed have just changed there website and i dont think its up to much, cant even find the exclusive models they have coming out on there.

 

 

I've just looked at their new website, and it is a retrograde step. All their forthcoming limited editions were listed as 'out of stock' rather than still to come, and half the items missed their pictures. Another example of a company wasting money for unnecesary change methinks.

[Dazza 50 015]

[quote Another example of a company wasting money for unnecesary change methinks.

I think so as well. Spend loadsa money only to get worse........Pretty much applies to most things nowadays unfortunatly.

[RANGERS]

I don't see Modelzone taking much trade from Trains4U, they may gain passing trade but if someone is looking for a decent deal, they'll do their homework and find Trains4U anyway.

 

Peterborough used to have two excellent, but very different shops. Orton Models catered more for RTR and plastic kits etc whilst The Model Shop on Lincoln Rd was a real finescale emporium and is still sadly missed by modellers in the East Mids.