Goodbye Hattons Model Railways

[@chairmakerPete]

Thank you, Hattons. What a brave and moral decision to close whilst the ability was there to pay all their creditors. Have to applaud such responsible and commendable directorship of a business in today's world when "dumping on the suppliers" is sadly all too often the norm. Lovely business - very sad to see it go.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Agreed. This is the right want to close a business. Especially when the family name is the brand.

[@euviga]

While it is extremely sad to see Hattons go, the manner of their exit is to be commended. I will miss them. Thanks for commenting.

[@user-pv4rf8pt7t]

Bit of a setback for those of us who have relied on them. "Team Hattons - you did us well, and I wish you the very best"

[@petersmith4455]

there are other shops like gaugemaster and the smaller shops around the country, !

[@grays257]

@@petersmith4455 Tried them but they never gave me the same service that Hattons did, very sorry to see them go.

[@EuviRail]

100%. Thanks for sharing.

[@jvbndofvbnebe]

Living in Brazil, it was quite hard, if not impossible, to find british models. Hattons made it a lot easier, I just don't know what to do now, it's just a sad situation. I wish the best for all of Hatton's employees during these hard times

[@Kryotek7]

Same here in the US. I found so many models with their database, wish list service and trunk deliveries. There is no where else that offers anything like Hattons, especially for foreign buyers.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Rails of Sheffield could be an alternative ?

[@EuviRail]

A hard act to follow for those of us overseas. I would hope the likes of Rails might evolve to fill the gap. Thanks for sharing.

[@theaverageteleporter7435]

It’s quite respectable how they are closing down slowly instead of going on till the last penny

[@EuviRail]

Something to be thankful for. Thanks for commenting.

[@TrentonLightninghammer]

I'm heartbroken. In Australia, they're one of the only ways to get good 2nd hand stock at reasonable prices.

[@andrewwarcup684]

I imagine that Australian GST laws are a big part of this. Now caught up into collecting GST for the Australian Government must be a paperwork nightmare.

[@rodneybates2135]

The GST thing is a crock of s … the Australian government has no enforceable right to collect duties and taxes on foreign soil. If they were paying gst that’s their silly fault.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Probably as excellent OP said - export taxes from UK to Commonwealth / US, EU (Covid and Brexit doesn't help, nor does the UK Sky high cost of living and energy prices) may have sky rocket along with postage / freight costs along with Prices as whole ( suppliers) like Hornby shooting up that may mean they cannot reliably make a long term profit

[@andrewwarcup684]

@@rodneybates2135 the following is from the Australian ATO website. "If you are a non-resident business and you sell goods into Australia with a customs value of A$1,000 or less, GST applies and you will have to collect this from your customer and send the GST to us. Who pays GST You're responsible for GST that applies to your sales if you: sell low value goods that are imported by a consumer in Australia sell services or digital products from outside of Australia to Australian consumers help deliver goods to Australia by sending them yourself or arranging delivery don't make supplies through an EDP operator that's responsible for collecting GST."

[@EuviRail]

A huge loss for any offshore buyer. Thanks for sharing.

[@roguerailroader4132]

As a customer of theirs from the states I have to say this was actually quite a blow to me to hear this. I wish all those in their company the best.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for commenting

[@CymruRails]

This is such a shame. I was able to meet members of their team at Warley last year and they were a fantastic bunch of lads. I hope they are all able to find new work as soon as possible.

[@EuviRail]

Absolutely. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kryotek7]

It’s astonishing they’re closing while being one of the top model train retailers in the world, and is another worrying sign for the industry. I’m in the US and have spent ~$5k at Hattons in the last 2 years, thanks mostly to the trunk service. If they’re working hard but making marginal profits and are seeing the decline I can see their point of view. The problem is they were the most tech savvy and forward thinking model train retailer (trunk service, model database, wish list alerts, etc) so this is a huge loss. I hope someone else can try to push the envelope like they have.

[@Kryotek7]

I forgot to mention I feel really sad for their staff, I’m from that area originally (Wirral), and I hope they’re able to move on. I do hope maybe something could be worked out for the staff that love the hobby to continue the business given they have a great established business. Alas, that looks unlikely.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

indeed, but the cost of the website and trunk service has become unsustainable unfortunately. Probably underpriced their service, and try to trade volume for profit. NEVER works long term. You cannot trade your way out of a loss. Prices need to go up, by say 20%, and see how that's filters through, but the Directors have underpriced the business model for too long. It happens everywhere in all sorts of business, but SO MANY business owners are attracted to turnover. WRONG. so wrong. as when the Cash/funding/loans runout they cannot convince lenders to pump in more funds, because the business model is WRONG.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834 Unfortunately this is the main problem the hobby has, the cost is astronomical for what are essentially toys. This is why no kids are bothered with railway modelling because they just can't afford it. Prices have spiralled out of control for rolling stock and even accessories are beyond the reach of many now.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

100% agree.@@Kryotek7

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Sorry for being a villager but what is a trunk service ?@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834

[@richardbaines2436]

RIP Hattons you will be missed & good luck to all the staff

[@EuviRail]

Thanks

[@little_britain]

I have relied on them somewhat heavily over the last few years, living in Canada they were my best option for affordable models and their trunk service was a game changer.

[@tillow9511]

Same

[@TheHistorySoldier]

American here. I'd recommend Rails of Sheffield as a replacement.

[@tillow9511]

@@TheHistorySoldier ah I'll check it out

[@Kryotek7]

@@TheHistorySoldierproblem is Rails, Kernow, etc all use Royal Mail for international deliveries which is slow, expensive and have more problems (especially when the parcel is passed to USPS). I could get a 6kg package couriered with DHL to Texas for £35 with Hattons, having used the trunk service to combine shipping. With Rails, Kernow, TMC, etc it can be £50 for a 2kg order and you can’t combine items from different weeks/months so the cost of shipping is way higher.

[@little_britain]

@@TheHistorySoldier I don't have much choice now, sadly. I will miss the trunk service the most.

[@jimmyyoung5159]

Hattons was my go to model railway shop The trunk service was a godsend for us overseas modellers sorry to see them go.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing

[@mike59317]

Such sad news, I'm a Australian and Hattons have done me well over the years. I have a perfect pink Class 66 and other rolling stock, thank you Hattons you were the only ONE over seas company to deal with.

[@BAKU2K2]

This is indeed saddening news, Hattons was in my opinion, the best and cheapest place to import British Models to the US.

[@EuviRail]

For sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@tobys_transport_videos]

As an Australian modelling the British railscene along with some local content, I found Hattons to offer the best possible service. Getting a parcel from them was as good as a big Christmas present! I among many, will miss their service.

[@zah465]

Absolute shocker, Its one of those brands and names you always expect to be there. I have always been happy with my purchases from Hattons and found their in-depth research and infomation (especially on tooling info, model years etc) very useful.

[@jamfjord]

+1 this, another example of their understated dedication to the hobby, I just hope someone finds a way of taking on that invaluable repository of information for the benefit of us all. A quite outstanding bunch of friendly, helpful and knowledgeable people, many of whom are also fellow enthusiasts - I hope they are all able to find new jobs quickly. Sad news indeed

[@dafyddthomas7299]

One service that could be of use to many beginners like me - is weathering, fitting in of staff into Locos sort of service and digital Conversions , servicing and reparis- like the A/Scale 37 a few QC issues; of wheels not being same width; across the 6 axis, oil, and a few Decodes have been messing up the base model - operations, power interruptions, sound spiking off on, low volume, etc, etc - @@jamfjord

[@EuviRail]

I'm still reeling myself. What a loss. Thanks for sharing.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Sad indeed, but exporting compliance has become a nightmare and costly.

[@abc-forex]

According to all the messages, Hattons had many qualities but also a few faults. However, as a Frenchman (and lover of English trains) Hattons was one of the few suppliers still delivering to Europe. Their catalogue was very extensive and ordering was easy. For the last 6 years Hattons has been my main supplier and I have never had a problem with them. From now on, it will be much more difficult for me to obtain English OO scale material.

[@EuviRail]

Unfortunately it will be more challenging now. Thanks for sharing.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Your overview of this sad story is exemplary. I recall going into the little shop on Smithdown Road back in1964. Thank you for sharing.

[@EuviRail]

You're most welcome and thank you for sharing that.

[@anthonymiller8979]

Hattons bought our local M.B Klein model railroad shop here in the USA this past September (2023). Kleins started as a hardware store in 1913 selling model RR supplies along with hardware. Odd to close so shortly after this acquisition.

[@EuviRail]

I hope this purchase didn't contribute to their decision. Thanks for sharing.

[@anthonymiller8979]

@@EuviRail M.B. Klein had turned mostly to mail order and closed the in person retail aspect and we all assumed maybe Hattons had planned to use them as the USA based distribution center since they had so many USA based customers and Klein was already setup as a mainly mail order center now.

[@mauricemannion1311]

Really sad news..! Hattons is going to be sadly missed..! I have only praise for everyone at Hattons, probably the greatest model railway retailer in Britain ever. I live outside the UK, and they made it possible for expats like myself to build a model railway in another country at an affordable price. And the trunk service was fantastic for people living outside the UK. This news is extramely worrying, who's next. Kernow..! There are not many retailers in the UK willing to ship abroad now to people like me, all I can say is Thank you Hattons for all your great service, and all the very best to all those working within this company.. Every one of you are a credit to your company that is sadly no more...!!!!

[@TobysTrains]

Legends Never Die, Hattons will always live on in our hearts and models!

[@EuviRail]

They will for sure. Thanks for that.

[@speleokeir]

Of all the model railway retilers I'd have thought Hattons would be one of the least likely to close down. They'll be missed. As you pointed out there was a lot more to them than just selling models. They were a great source of information and made a number of useful innovations that other model shops don't do, such as the trunk service, wish list alerts of not just new but second-hand stock coming in, etc. A sad day for the hobby.

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

personally i thought they'd be among the first , they had a shop which meant they had , astronomical business rates , taxes , public liability insurance , staff wages , heating , building security , building maintenance , lighting , cleaning , providing staff with things like restrooms etc , courier costs , hornby witholding a brand new range , constantly having to buy in ever increasing model ranges .. the list just goes on

[@gerogyzurkov2259]

+ Not to mention suddenly making their own ranges with some models notably like class 66 which is big no no considering u selling your competitions at your store too. Places like Asada and Sainsbury can do it cause they're doing other niches to the competition like value stuff. Hattons making stuff like class 66 which the other manufacturers where doing which that kind of model is popular pretty much would eventually bite them and it did. I heard Buchanan who makes class 66 also wasn't pleased either with Hattons and stopped on giving their new stuff to Hattons.

[@johnmunns5964]

I think the biggest problem for overseas buyers has been postage, be it motorcycle parts or train stuff UK postage to Australia doubled basically overnight and a 50 GBP minimum rate was applied, then Covid upped the rates again and they never fell again. Stuff from UK and US is just not affordable now🙁 I don't think DHL taking over everything has helped either.

[@pmb9172]

Going back a few years we used to send loads of track to Australia using standard Royal Mail , along came the sizing system and suddenly a yard box was too big for Royal Mail and parcel force or similar was required, gone therefore was the Vat deduction covering the cost of postage , huge amount of business lost . All these little changes are making trading more and more expensive .

[@nheather]

I don’t know the model railway industry but familiar with plastic modelling and radio control aircraft modelling and I’d hazard to guess that you are seeing the same decline in customers as I am in my my hobbies - young people aren’t so interested, older people either dying off or losing the faculties to continue. At my RC flying club, I try to attend the AGM each year and it is noticeable how young I feel. Ten years ago I was 50 and felt like the young guy at the AGM. Last December, I attended the 2023 at the age of 60 and still felt like the young guy. I joined two clubs nearly 30 years ago, had to join a waiting list on both until there was a vacancy for me - I’m still at those two clubs and they are both short of members, trying all they can to drum up fresh blood and not succeeding. I’m not saying that there aren’t new guys joining the hobbies but it as not at the rate that the older guys are leaving.

[@brockfordjunktion]

Like many hobbies, RC planes have a seemingly high buy in price and limited amount of places you can go to do it. Combine that with the knowledge barrier, it being seen as an 'older people' hobby, and the fact that modern planes are less commonly seen and less individual... Trains are a similar story. 20 years ago there were at least three dedicated model shops in town. Now there's one, and the model train club was predominantly older people when I was a member before covid came along.

[@jamesgilbart2672]

This is really sad. Like many others, I have bought numerous items, both new and used from Hattons over the years and their closure leaves a large gap and decreased choice for modellers.

[@b.k.s.sthcoast]

Sad to hear Hattons are closing down. I am in Australia and bought from them in 2016 and a bit later. Their service was very good with an excellent range.

[@georgemartin408]

Something very odd about this. Hattons were trading normally, including taking pre orders just before Christmas. I placed an order for a Rapido Stirling without a hitch in December. This is not the behaviour of a company contemplating a planned closure. With healthy nett assets one would have thought they would have been working towards a merger or sale. It all seems too hasty and un-planned. Is there more to this we’re not being told.

[@zagan1]

It'll be odf but not crazy. This will be a case of grand pa started this company. The son took it over. Then the next Sun comes in and thinks I'm not interested in running this so it's sell or close. while there is still 6 million in the bank. The CEO of EVGA (computer parts) was only in business for 20 years and it was only to make a few million then get out. that got it on Reddit, and fans of EVGA were saying it's not true etc, well cue 2022 and it was real. The company is completely gone. You also have some people who start and run a business and if they retire etc the business will be ending with them.

[@davidranger4468]

Christmas is the key trading period for most retailers. If they had a bad Christmas trade it's probably tipped the scales for them. I'd imagine winding down the company now is a case of we can see we're haemoraging money here there and everywhere, better to cut the losses and cease trading before we get to the point that we can't pay creditors or fulfil obligations to customers. With small independents closing left right and centre it was only a matter of time before one of the big boys fell unfortunately.

[@lent7614]

There is more to this than meets the eye, Hattons purchased M.B. Klein Model Train Stuff, USA, confirmed by them in November 2023, so why would you purchase a company in another Country to wind up a similar company in your own Country.🤔🤔

[@thomasc8482]

@@davidranger4468 also they'll be doing their year end books round about now and thus have a clearer picture of where they stand, especially if they've had a weak Christmas

[@EuviRail]

I think we are all scratching our heads. Possibly the Christmas was a lot worse than usual for them. We may possibly get the full story overtime. Thanks for sharing.

[@liveti1till160]

This is sad news. Bought a lot from the UK (and Hattons) before, but after Brexit my purchases from the UK have equaled £0

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Where are you based? What stops you from buying now?

[@mac760]

​@LittleWicketRailway , I'm in exactly the same boat as the original poster . I'm based in France and regularly ordered from Hattons . Service was outstanding , delivery was really quick , over the phone advice was excellent , but , sadly, since 2020 I haven't bought one single item from them . I think it's fairly obvious what one of the biggest elephants in the room is , they even mention it specifically in their statement. My model railway buying is now restricted to my once a year visit to the UK where I buy from a local shop in Edinburgh. Sad that they've decided to close their doors , I wonder who'll be next due to loss of exports.

[@liveti1till160]

@@LittleWicketRailway Sweden, but I think it's the same from all EU countries when it comes to shopping from the UK after Brexit.

[@xenon53827]

Hattons will be up there in the history books along with names like Basset Lowke, Bing and Hornby Dublo. They have earned that right. So sad to see them go, but so glad of their dedicated contribution to the hobby over so many years. A company of honour, something so sadly rare these days…

[@studebaker4217]

Growing up in south Liverpool, my Dad was a good customer of Hattons. Hard to believe they had only been open 12 years then - makes me feel old!

[@WS-1]

Really sad to hear this . In relative terms , the hobby has become seriously expensive , particularly for the younger enthusiasts , who represent the future .Respect to all at Hattons , a company who could not possibly have done more than they did to keep the hobby in the spotlight . I shall always treasure my two limited edition Hattons wagons !

[@086DEN]

I think they are just tired of the bs involved now with postage, customs, different Vat rates, all the red tape that is there now.

[@jambusspeakermouse1325]

I work in international distribution of books. It's become an absolute nightmare. My only job for the last 5 years has been brexit related hassle. Real shame to see Hatton's go, hope other retailers don't suffer the same fate!

[@BritishRail60062]

I for one will dearly miss hattons having using them since 2009 to get my model trains 😊. I hope that someone else will buy it out and keep it going. But for now I want to show my gratitude and appreciation for the service that they gave me since 2009.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

Change in demographics is simple, there are very few kids interested in model railways now and most of their customers are adults who are increasingly getting older and eventually dying out. They are doing the sensible thing and cutting their losses before the business gets bad and they eventually get forced out of business. A sad end for sure but not unexpected considering the way the hobby has gone.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Agree - also zip/ include the prohibitive prices of modelling -take example OO Model HST £360 now for detail model,even 2nd hand people are trying to sell for £250-£300 of same detailed HST - and this excludes the rest like coaches, track, decoders, erc.

[@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956]

Bought a ton of stuff from this store while assigned to Defense Courier Service, NATO HQ Northwood in 1983. Thanks for the great service and conversations.

[@michaeldavies9600]

I could not believe it when i saw this sad news to say i am gutted is an understatement! Hattons were always my go to place when i wanted something new for my layout .

[@dafyddthomas7299]

They were / are good maybe they overstretched the £/$ R&D in developing their own models like Class 66 ( which I own - now move to A/Scale ) and in hindsight stuck to their core services, any way shame for the hard working staff. Hope some of them can provide an alternative service - for me personally would like to find a vendor / expert that could expertly install Digital Sound / Digital chips into my Analogue models and perhaps fitting in train crew, weather, also fix things when the ^^%^% Electronics go up the chuff - examples of Chuffness is A/Scale Class 37 and their ESU Decoders; in some circumstances not playing ball with the base model - Sound cut off, power issues, etc

[@AllensTrains]

I think the mistake was the move from Smithdown Road to Widnes. Although it did seem to make sense to focus on their mail order business, you've got the fact that they cannot revert to being just a model shop. Had Hattons remained in Liverpool then they could have clawed their way back. Thanks for uploading your observations.

[@davidjohan99]

My thoughts exactly...Somehow they forgot their roots.....very sad. Hopefully others won't make the same mistake.

[@grahamariss2111]

But how many local model shops are left, in the Internet age high street retail is a dieing occupation.

[@AllensTrains]

@@grahamariss2111 The Model Shop in my local area is still going. But it is a one-man business.

[@toekneekerching9543]

@@davidjohan99 I always found it strange to go completely online when your customer base is mainly old people and children, those demographics are least likely to purchase online. But either way i found it hard to buy from hattons because they never had anything in stock ,i found i would place an order and wait weeks to receive it, after a while i decided to abandon hattons and use TMC or Rails since they usually had plenty of stock ready to ship. Hattons ran its self into the ground because of poor management and the fact their website resembles an online charity shop filled with over priced, second-hand (and often broken) models. It also became a joke to see her advertise sales because every time you visit the sale section it was also filled with second hand tat that even in the sale was overpriced.

[@dathpo]

I'm sorry to see Hatton's close. They've faultlessly provided me with UK models for 15 years. My best to Christine and her crew! US coustomer.

[@michaeldavis9111]

A tragedy, plain and simple. I was told by Rails of Sheffield that they will not continue with the Genesis railway coaches. These were always in short supply now it will be near impossible to get hold of them. So sad. But good wishes and good luck to the owners and their wonderful staff. They will be deeply missed.

[@colinnewmarch1106]

Sad when a company goes, much like when Beatties went, but times are tough and the costs of models these days are very expensive

[@GrahamWalters]

Looking back through their accounts they were turning over £13m with a gross profit of £500k, nett profit after cost would have been poor considering the turnover. So they made a loss, but are not insolvent, that's smoke and mirrors, no small company can sustain those losses over a period of years. I can imagine a lot of small shops are breathing a sigh of relief, no longer will you hear "I can get it cheaper at Hattons"

[@class77sncb]

But indeed,they were NOT the cheapest..Rail´s is my personal favourite..as costumer from the continent.

[@stratman9449]

as a long customer of hattons here in germany, i will be sorry to see them go......good firm, good service...will be missed. will have to look elsewhere now.....cheers.....

[@keithwesley2471]

Many of us running a business understand this all too well. We are also getting older, and these business struggles tire us out. Retirement is very attractive!

[@Golden_Oldie2267]

Little Wicket Railway, you were correct in highlighting Hattons innovations, The Trunk and information catalogue, something that is not seen with other suppliers. Hattons will be missed.

[@richardsweeney197]

Sad news, even in the United States Hattons, was well known.

[@paulcassidy8130]

The natural course in such a situation would be to seek a merger with, or sale to, another business rather than shutting down altogether which means writing off the inherent goodwill. Something feels a bit odd about this.

[@stevenrowley8502]

Very sad news. I've been a Hattons customer since 1984. Feels like losing a good friend.

[@DavidSmith-tc3se]

A very Sad loss indeed hopefully something can rise from the ashes in next few years it was bad enough loosing model zone a few years back

[@stediths]

Have a closer look at their accounts and change in Directors & shareholders over recent years. I'm not sure this closure has much to do with a decreasing sales, but more with asset realisation?

[@terawattz]

these are the sort of companies govt, needs to back. to keep them from going under,they are vital, not only locally but internationally also.they were a key player in the modeling world and they will be missed.

[@grahamariss2111]

I go to cycle parts supplier Parker Mail Order, they were a mainstay of the road bike community, but when the owner came up for retirement he could not find anyone willing to take the business forward, because whilst still viable, you could see the future of ever squeezed margins and staffing challenges was unsustainable.

[@davidbarrett1487]

Very sad at this end. Gov & demographics , the whole shift in killing BRIT industry sending it abroad. Gov Couldn’t care less, at all the famous names lost in real industry let alone models. Thank you HATTON’s staff for your superb service, I hope you find work.

[@bazza3643]

As a long standing customer of Hatton’s, I received an email a few weeks ago, advising that they were now obliged to collect GST(goods and service tax on behalf of the New Zealand tax department. In short Hatton’s were expected to be unpaid tax collectors for New Zealand and any other foreign countries. Very sad to see this wonderful hobby retailer close.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Sad day.

[@kellypaws]

Rather more dignified than the statement of another leading KZbinr in their comments section (now deleted - but astonishingly churlish). I feel for the owners and staff. It's a very sad loss for the hobby.

[@wamgoc]

I’ve not brought anything for Hattons for over a year now! I had an issue with them over some Genesis Coaches, which was not resolved, and as a result I’ve not brought from them. I feel really sorry for the employees who will have to find new jobs but applaud their wanting to wind the business up in such a way. Sad news!

[@cprtrain]

Unfortunate news. They were the "standard model railway shop" in the UK and obviously affected by economic conditions. Time will tell if this is an isolated situation..

[@timbervalleyproductions]

It is a huge shame. They will be sorely missed, but at least this means local shops will be able to obtain more stock, and hopefully provide a better service to customers. I personally have used Hattons for ages, and they've always been fantastic.

[@loggior.speedweed4345]

what about us international customers, are we all well screwed?

[@timbervalleyproductions]

@@loggior.speedweed4345 Not sure, but Rails and TMC may ship abroad.

[@gwheregwhizz]

The best description of the demographics of model railway enthusiasts is sadly true. Men in their 60s and 70s trading models to men in their 60s and 70s that first owned model railways in the 1960s and 70s. Considering an XBox Series S and an excellent train simulator game can cost less than a DCC fitted tank engine alone, it's increasingly difficult to get younger people to part with their cash in the economic environment we are in.

[@frostedbutts4340]

Yeah it's very hard to tell a youngster instead of a game that lets you play nearly every train ever made, they should spend $1000+ on a basic setup..

[@Mr_Tea_Rexx]

this is a major blow to the industry I use them all the time from Australia cause their are some models you just cant get here

[@user-xp2wy6zf9t]

It's worth all of you modellers to know the truth about Hattons. As a current employee of many years I can say the true reason for the closure is because the current CEO of the company has blew the company money up the spout on personal endeavours and doomed to fail company changes. He has continued to blamed the market saying that the company has been dying for a few years because of the core client base has died off. Despite smaller companies still thriving such as Rails of Sheffield and equally big names like hornby and Peco, Hattons has fell because of these internal issues with the CEO. Over the years he has used his ego and money to purchased more and more shares of the company. It's also worh noting he was also dismissive of any ideas on saving the company and was more interested in closing so he can retain the the money. He was (although on this i am note 100% sure myself so take this bit with a pinchof salt) in debt years ago and has use the company money to pay it off and is now walking away with a lovely few million in his pocket.

[@toekneekerching9543]

Why doesnt hattons ever have anything in stock, i stopped using hattons about 5 years ago because they never had anything in stock, everything is always pre-order! Why would anyone buy on pre-order and wait weeks when every other shop had plenty of stock ready to go.

[@user-xp2wy6zf9t]

@toekneekerching9543 The CEO has destroyed relationships with a lot of suppliers, and so they have stopped supplying to Hattons

[@paulandrewjennion1770]

Going to miss Hattons Model Railways it was a brilliant Model Railray store to visit when it was on Smithdown Road. bought a number of model railway stuff from there.😢

[@SwissChris52]

I am sorry to see them go. I haven't bought much from them, maybe 3 or 4 items, the service was good. One of the items I have wanted for the best part of 60 years. Hattons bit the bullet and imported some. Thank you Hattons for taking the risk and getting the Shinkansen 0 and coaches. On the other hand, when I tried to sell 13 items, I was offered peanuts Ipossibly would have bought from them again, but would never have attempted to sell to them. Good luck to all the staff there. I hope you find new jobs soon.

[@standclear502]

I feel at a true loss, ive been shopping at hattons since the 1980s way before mailorder & the internet was a common thing, Here... Ive spent over 30k at Hattons over a lifetime, so sad to see it go. 😢

[@user-wz2qe2pv6r]

Some perspective. Weve just retired and decided to get bk into modelling after 50 of yrs. What a shock...the prices. Sure we have some savings but after a month doing research we've decided to pass. Until kids stop playing vid games and something is done about the dusty old image to entice more young people into the hobby.. then Im afraid things are going to get much worse. Who next? Hornby?

[@rosseades4213]

What a shock one of the biggest retailers in model railway good luck to the people who work there!!

[@Rob1972Gem]

What Hattons means by changing customer demographic is the old guys with lots of disposable income pretty much dying off literally I know that sounds cruel, but that is life. The cost of the hobby has gone stupid and there’s not enough younger people coming in the hobby I don’t care how many people argue the toss that there are people coming in the hobby yes there are But trust me they are leaving most the time through no choice of their own. They are literally just dying off all. They’ve already got to the maximum amount that they need in their collection and they are not buying any more and the younger people just aren’t spending the money Cost of living has a factor, I bet you Hatton have had a number in the head that if they’re outgoings and their income get to a certain level of tightness for a certain amount of time that they will jump ship and close and I bet that is what has happened. They have looked at the market, decided that there’s not enough money coming into how much money it costs to keep the business up and running and you cannot fault them they’ve done a lot better than most companies the amount of years they have been trading but no one in the High Street regardless of whatever type of shop. It is can compete with online shops for price and this is just another instance of death in the High Street to be honest the hobby needs to get a grip the big manufacturers need to start thinking if they want to survive long-term they need to bring the price of the models down. Trust me for one or two model is you want the super Duper detailed ones. Limited additions but silly prices most people don’t have the disposable income to be able to purchase those type of models. The hobby needs to get a grip come back down to earth a little bit and then hopefully the hobby can takeoff in the more levelheaded manner because I can guarantee you 100%. I would never pay the amount of money it is for premium locomotives in today’s new marketplace

[@zagan1]

Kids probably aren't interested in getting into it, straight up. The other will be space, you need a huge house and land to get a big layout and most people are probably renting. So that limits what you can do but also will be the deciding factor in even starting anything. Seeing guys in the us etc with layouts that have taken 40 so years to build then span a space of 100 ft by 60 feet and it's just crazy

[@cedarcam]

You say 'no one in the High Street regardless of whatever type of shop. It is can compete with online shops for price' Well I pay £10 a year club membership at my local model shop and that gets me between 10 and 20% discount on every purchase so they could compete with Hattons prices when you take into account their shipping fees on top of the discounted models. Still sad to see them go though I have bought from them for many years mostly before my local shop opened.

[@davidjones4312]

Very, very sad news. A great company that have provided me here in New Zealand with a first class service since the early 1960s. I wish all the staff well in finding alternative employment and thank them for that excellent service they have provided to their customers over the years.

[@Ianshandle999]

Really enjoying your channel. I think this is the first shakeout not the last in the hobby driven by the endless search for more detailed and specific models, driving up model costs exponentially. Luckily I could afford to buy the latest stuff at the latest prices, but I don’t. I started in the 1990s when Hornby top link in the brown box rivalled Lima in the blue box for which one could run the worse! When production moved to China, there was a spectacular improvement in detail and quality of running. Anything made 2005 to 2015 normally runs great has great detail and at normal viewing distance is indistinguishable from the current super detail stuff. The actual market for, and margins to be made on for example Hornby’s 900 variations of class 5 must be peanuts for them and the retailers. I used Hattons in the uk and internationally for many years. They are a great company but if they fail others will too. Then the you tube reviewers pushing for endless extra details will rue the day…..sad for Hattons and us all.

[@robertdamp5604]

Sad day to hear that Hattons are closing after 77 years of trading..Wish all the best to all the Hattons team.

[@ianbrinckman7256]

Love Hattons very sorry to see you go😢

[@Petemonster62]

My long-time local general hobby shop closed down in April. I guess even when with the popularity of radio-controlled race cars and helicopter drones, they still weren't able to make it. They had an indoor RC car racetrack and a two-story open room for flying drones that was open to the hobbyists. The Testors company in the US who made enamel model paints, cements, and other supplies was bought by the Rustoleum paint company. Rustoleum later announced that they were discontinuing the Testors products citing " shrinking demographics ". Too bad Revell, Monogram, or Lindberg didn't buy Testors since they had a vested interest!

[@hughm5996]

Wonder how this affects their purchase of MB Klein/Model train stuff in the US. It’s hard to accept they’d acquire a major presence in the states without knowing the financial state of the UK operation.

[@kevinmacomber1336]

MB Klein was shuttered last month, though it must be assumed MTS is now to be done as well.

[@hughm5996]

@@kevinmacomber1336 I don’t live near them but I understand they closed their walk in retail location and continue on with the web based business. I don’t know if they have a provision for ordering online and the customer picking it up at some location. Until they provide further information this forum and all the others will primarily be opinion based.

[@drevo50]

Hard to believe they're going so soon. If they can't survive, who can?

[@wyvernmodelrailway]

I could see this coming, my faith in Hattons was eroded because they continued to take pre-orders for items that knew they hadn't got the allocations for., then having to tell customers that they were unable to supply when the models were released. Also for the most part their bargains were no longer bargains

[@stickman18]

I used Hattons once on a pre-order for Hattons originals coaches they let me down because they could not fulfill my order, only to find weeks later the coaches I ordered were for sale again. I learnt my lesson I shall support my local model shop.

[@toekneekerching9543]

@@stickman18 Hattons never has anything in stock, the whole site is just pre orders, i assume hattons only orders enough stock to fulfil current pre-orders? Id say most of their customer base turned to other retailers because of that! I certainly did, Why would i wait weeks to get a product on pre order when every other shop has everything in stock and ready to ship.

[@gdaysydney]

Thanks Rob. Just caught up with this news. Whilst a surprise I think you summed it up well. In this digital age fewer people are getting into the hobby and many that are in the hobby are literally dying out. That and the price rises in product and postage over the past few years have made the hobby less appealing for many. From Hattons point of view its a sensible commercial decision - better to close now than see the value of the business deteriorate to nothing. For me personally I have used Hattons for over twenty years sourcing locos and rolling stock that either not available or available at close to twice the price in Australia. To all the Hattons staff, past and present, thank you.

[@sidlarge]

So sorry to see them go having just restarted modelling in N gauge they have been very helpful to this old kid yes im about to retire so once again thanks for all the help this year and in th 80s

[@pinza0079]

I’m no mathematician but if international sales are now too difficult I’d stop selling abroad and just manage with the £8 million + from the uk

[@zagan1]

But that's shrinking so you can't rely on that alone.

[@and3583]

Such sad news 😢 House of Hobbies seems troubled as well. Crazy times!

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

I am heartbroken

[@Touriste31-kb4gc]

Shame to hear this news, but better the closedown is happening in a managed way ensuring none of our modellers cash gets lost - well done for this admirable decision. I’ve used Hattons quite a lot as living in France their truck item facility has allowed significant shipping cost savings. Now this facility is going, I hope another supplier will take up where Hattons are leaving off. I thank you all at Hattons and wish their staff all the best in the future.

[@anthonyprslsouthjerseymode4220]

Absolutely sad news. I read about the closing on Facebook here in New Jersey we used to have a dozen of hobby shops and now we are lucky to have 1 left after every one closed in the past 15 years or so. Very upsetting indeed. I have been to the UK twice but was in London and not Liverpool it's a shame that I will never be able to visit Hattons in person.😢

[@dougalmcdougal8682]

As a foreigner …. When you can only offer some manufacturers, and for n gauge not having Farish means I moved from Hattons to another supplier. And the prices for second hand were just nuts … to the point of loosing credibility ..

[@ralfgoetzie3742]

Sehr Schade - habe immer gerne bei euch bestellt - Peko Gleise und Wagen die auch in Deutschland zusehen waren. Bye Bye Hattons Grüße aus Lüneburg

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Brexit was genious! 😢

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

A sad day but it's not just Hattons who is suffering.

[@eurovnik]

1. Changing customer demographics = kids aren't into model railways like they were in the 50s or 60s and really haven't been since the 80s. Few adults get into model railways who weren't once into them as kids. Ironic that the demographic that voted most heavily in favour of Brexit (over 60s) is the one most into model trains and most affected by developments like this. 2. Supply chain disruption = economic shocks arising from the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

[@toekneekerching9543]

The brexit thing is a joke, how does brexit have an impact on the rising cost of production in china and a failing business model? People just love to blame Brexit for everything. Their main problem is they dont stock Hornby or Bachmann... and last time i checked that has nothing to do with Brexit...

[@td4dotnet]

It's pretty sad that family run businesses like Hattons have to go due to the nightmare the UK government has self-imposed on our businesses / traders. I blame this current mess squarely on the Tories, their policies and impositions on trade. Ah yes the 'will of the people' in action again... Thanks for all the good stuff over the years Hattons there really will be nowhere left to go soon.

[@pmb9172]

So it’s the fault of the Conservatives that for example the New Zealand govt for example make Hattons collect the sales tax for them , I don’t think so. There are impositions the world o er now affecting exports , Hattons could have dealt with this if they hadn’t been disadvantaged by Hornby and Bachmann , massive loss of volume business that they never were able to recover .

[@MrDavidfball]

sad to hear about this, had many models off hattons and visited their old Liverpool shop quite a few times even though i live 100 miles away, the move to an industrial estate put me off visiting in person and one wonders if they owned or rented the site? did becoming model makers add to the issue of losing money i know a few businesses in my local area are returning production to the UK for plastic parts as they have seen a very steep increase in production costs in china (where most models are made) and even airfix are making models right here in the UK again!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I think they must own some property based on the accounts, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. The value of the property was revalued up in the year by quite a bit, so that's going to help them if/when they decide to sell.

[@stuartburton1167]

I remember my dad taking me to the tiny cramped little shop in Smithdown road in 1974 to spend my Xmas money on a second hand Triang class 31 in green. Still got the body shell but it sits on a different chassis. Another memory is going on the bus to the then new shop on Penny lane with a mate but accidentally going to the pub to watch the Everton game and getting absolutely bladdered before going into the shop. Hattons did well that day as drunk me hammered his credit card 😅

[@marksinthehouse1968]

Sad day ,if I added up how much I’ve spent with hattons I would be in the divorce courts ,I liked them as in London I only really know of Jane’s trains over in tooting I’m in west London Cheers Mark 😊😊 Cheers hattons mmm😢

[@pacificcy3182]

I’ve always wanted to purchase from Hattons, I’ve never had a lot of money to buy from them however (shipping to the US doesn’t help), sad to see them go.

[@pauldannenberg391]

It's sad to see them close. If ever this business chooses to re-open I will be happy to be one of their customers once again.

[@petergibbs]

Nice video, nicely put. Shocked, but sadly not the first hit by Brexit increasing the costs of selling to Europe.

[@JSmith19858]

Changing demographics would be tied to cost of living and customer numbers going down. Millenials and Gen Z having no money for hobbies, even if they wanted to take it up as a hobby, and their existing customers getting older and dying off. I'd like to put money in to a N gauge layout but I just don't have the money. I had the money 15 years ago before pay stagnated and my job at the time was offshored, although the UK is now so ruined there is little chance of it reversing.

[@pmb9172]

They have been scuppered by manufacturers interference in retail market . Both Hornby and Bachmann have made attempts to control prices of new product . Both have withdrawn supplies , Hornby of course started selling direct and no doubt their attempt to specify how much discount on new items retailers could offer was connected with that under the guise of protecting independents , a likely story I don’t think . Bachmann did similar with prices and then ceased supply as they didn’t want competition for their own products , this was in their terms and conditions so it was quite legit , but this all has a bearing . Hattons needed that volume and a significant chunk was taken away by the above , then along came the problems with export , the attempts to produce their own ranges was a sound one , unfortunately a few teething problems which were understandable in such a new venture possibly won’t have helped , but the OO 4 wheel coaches have been excellent and the direction of travel was good , just not fast enough it seems . For me though it’s the manufacturers that kicked off the demise , the other elements they would have coped with .

[@delphjunction1168]

Hi Rob. I hate to see any bad things happening to the hobby. However it might mean other shops ie:Rails, TMC etc. Might get more customers due to this. Only bought from Hatton's once had bad experience so never bought again. I'm on a pension and the hobby is so expensive now so this must have had an effect on shops, where people just can't afford these prices like they used to. Brexit and their customer service didn't help either. Yes sorry to see any firm go after all those years 1946 till now is a long time. You never know might be back as a smaller shop. Be more customer friendly. DELPH JUNCTION

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

why is everyone continually harping on about brexit instead of the real cause , the super wealthy , the media and politicians playing games , think about this for a minute if i buy from Europe or the USA postage is extortionate , if i buy from china postage is often free , and whilst thinking about that ask yourself what effect having a 2 yr holiday because they may get the flu had

[@loggior.speedweed4345]

wtf are you talking about their customer service? I've had no issues with Hattons customer service, where as I've had like 1 or 2 issues with Rails customer service and their website is a broken dysfunctional mess most of the time; I cannot tell you how many times I've had issues placing orders through their horrible site! Hattons has always been helpful and reliable for me.

[@delphjunction1168]

@@loggior.speedweed4345 If you have to swear to get your point over I feel sorry for you, maybe you should articulate in another way. As I said don't want to see any model shops in trouble. You had trouble from Rails mine was from Hatton's. END.

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

it can only ever mean that others will see an increase due to market share , probably only small as there are heaps of them out there from the huge to the small

[@delphjunction1168]

@@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494 I agree with you. Shame Hatton's decided to close, but our hobby will still be strong with luck. Lots of smaller model shops out there still.

[@alanmusicman3385]

Such a shame for all who work there and for the hobby as a whole. From readng their FAQ on the closure you can tell from their headline reasons for closure that a lot of things have combined here. The increased cost and difficulty of doing international business. The comment about changes in the customer base could be taken to mean that it is contracting or that the customer base now is now predominantly retired people with less money to spend, or both - in times when personal budgets are squeezed, the very high cost of new models is certain to be a factor in doing less volumes. Of course with generation change there is a lot of second hand MR stuff for sale everywhere and because a great deal of it has not been used as "toys" it can be in very good condition which again undermines the market for new models.

[@OlivierGabin]

Interesting to have a look at the accountability. From 2021 to 2022, they lost 2 million GBP in overall activity. Seems they have seem the downward slope, and decided to shut down before the crash.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Be interesting to see what the 2023 accounts look like. They should be available in the next few months.

[@djburland]

It is so sad to hear that it is the end of the line for Hattons.

[@TATICMOOR]

It is very sad that Hattons is winding down. I've bought many items from them by Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol et al, but especially their own limited edition runs or prototypes, etc. I hope all the information sections of the website can be saved for future use on a website. It would be a tremendous loss that the information about the locos, rolling stock, train formations, and all the other data that Hattons put together would disappear. Surely, this should be preserved and kept in the public domain by someone.