BACHMANN OPENS RETAIL STORE IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Castle Street in Hinckley is the new home to Model Collect Create (MCC), a new store from Bachmann Europe, aimed at bringing hobbies back to the high street.

Stocked with a vast range of products from the company's range, the 135sqm shop opened on Monday, March 28, and is expected to become a destination for new and experienced modellers. The MCC Store is to host workshops and demonstrations, while the very young can enjoy an activity table to let their parents browse.

Bachmann Europe's Managing Director, David

Haarhaus, explained the aim is to; "Introduce the concept of a hobby to families and children who are not even aware that half of this stuff exists. Lockdown has provided a resurgence in interest in something other than a computer screen, and so we hope by opening a store, in an active market town, we are able to capture the imaginations of people who have no prior knowledge of what a rewarding activity actually physically making something can be."

BRM was privileged to be asked to tour the store ahead of the opening. We saw plastic kits for all tastes, including the new Thunderbirds range, flying models, boats, die-cast collectables, railways and possibly the largest selection of Woodland Scenics products you are likely to see anywhere.

Staff are to demonstrate modelling techniques and help customers build a kit they have just bought, on the premises. Bachmann’s aim isn’t to compete with existing model trade, prices will stick to official RRP, but to create a “new type of experience”. There will be no online or mail-order sales. David's passion is to support real-world model shops, partly stemming from his early career with the Beatties of London chain of shops. He tells us that the idea of opening a shop has been in his mind for a decade, only the pandemic stopping it from coming to fruition earlier.

Project Manager Jon Gibbs said, “During the pandemic, we have seen a huge surge in interest for modelling products, with people revisiting past hobbies and having more time to spare. The aim of the store is to get people to put down their screens and create something amazing using the products on offer and expert advice on hand. This is a store for all members of the family to enjoy, with products for all ages and abilities. Within the store, there is a fantastic range of materials to support school projects and encourage creativity. We have a great team here who can’t wait to welcome visitors”.