tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post8568716508411402771..comments2024-03-28T22:24:18.546+00:00Comments on Phil's Workbench: Time for community model shops? Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-53221626035841706732017-02-09T10:23:58.636+00:002017-02-09T10:23:58.636+00:00I think this idea has merit, as a volunteer for a ...I think this idea has merit, as a volunteer for a community transport scheme, I know first hand the benefits of the voluntary sector both for the users/clients and for the workers. It doesn't neccessarily need to be staffed by older people, it could be just as useful for someone wanting to gain valuable retail skills in order to gain a boost in the jobs market. Competition in the retail sector is fierce and any advantage is a bonus. The only danger with this idea is a volunteer run shop opening up in an area that already has a model shop, removing the overheads of paid staff, means potentially they could undercut the established shop, forcing that out of business.<br /><br /><br />Another possibility that I haven't seen explored much is combining a model shop with a cafe. Modelling is a very social hobby and so having a cafe to my mind is an obvious extension, people can chat in a relaxed environment and it take the pressure off the shop to sell so many big ticket items as the cafe shares the overheads.<br /><br />If I was in a better financial position, I'd actually put some effort into this idea now I think of it, although I'd have to move to another town as thankfully we are blessed with 2 model railway shops in Lincoln already.Nick Bradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16127175841352825227noreply@blogger.com