Another one bites the dust

suisse6 · Post by **suisse6** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 4:06 am

Guys, don't know how many on this board are from the Pacific Northwest, but sadly after 40 years in business, American Eagles hobby shop in Seattle is closing. I swung by last week on a trip up from Phoenix and they still have a fairly wide selection of GHQ miniatures at 20-40% off. They are finally shutting the doors April 9. Unfortunately they are going the way of so many brick and mortar hobby shops. I'm only in my early 30's but I still remember going to the shop when they were in Ballard, kids now want instant gratification, no time for creativity so these places wither away. Anyway, enough grousing

Thanks for many good memories.

Matthew

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner, liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

tanitatt · Post by **tanitatt** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:33 am

suisse6 wrote:Guys, don't know how many on this board are from the Pacific Northwest, but sadly after 40 years in business, American Eagles hobby shop in Seattle is closing. I swung by last week on a trip up from Phoenix and they still have a fairly wide selection of GHQ miniatures at 20-40% off. They are finally shutting the doors April 9. Unfortunately they are going the way of so many brick and mortar hobby shops. I'm only in my early 30's but I still remember going to the shop when they were in Ballard, kids now want instant gratification, no time for creativity so these places wither away. Anyway, enough grousing Thanks for many good memories.

Matthew

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner, liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

So long as people are willing to save 10% buying things on-line, the local hobby stores are going to be a thing of the past.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:06 am

Its getting sad. I was recently at Bridge Town Hobbies and Games in Portland, Oregon during a trip (suggested store by RobertTown) and they said their store was for sale. They do sell online though. It seems that the friendly neighborhood hobby shop is going the way of the dinosaurs.

Post by **GHQ** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:04 am

We are really sorry to hear this. American Eagles was always a great store, and it was always a pleasure to deal with everyone there. We can't say it enough, if you have a local store, you really need to patronize it or it won't be there. Too often we hear from people complaining that there are no stores in their areas. If you are a regular customer, many store owners will often times work out deals on purchases. The allure of online discounters does not outweigh the ability to see the merchandise up close, and the camaraderie that a local store allows.

If you have a local store, stop in this weekend look around, and buy something. Whether it's GHQ, or something from another manufacturer, buy something.

GHQ

av8rmongo · Post by **av8rmongo** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:59 am

GHQ wrote:We are really sorry to hear this. American Eagles was always a great store, and it was always a pleasure to deal with everyone there. We can't say it enough, if you have a local store, you really need to patronize it or it won't be there. Too often we hear from people complaining that there are no stores in their areas. If you are a regular customer, many store owners will often times work out deals on purchases. The allure of online discounters does not outweigh the ability to see the merchandise up close, and the camaraderie that a local store allows.

If you have a local store, stop in this weekend look around, and buy something. Whether it's GHQ, or something from another manufacturer, buy something.

GHQ

I had the same idea. So here I am sitting outside Game Towne San Diego waiting for them to open up. Waiting to go in to buy another pack of Tornados or something I already have a half dozen of in order to keep GHQ miniatures on the walls so that maybe they'll get in something I do want/need.

Paul

Post by **GHQ** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:05 am

We will add a follow up. When you are in a store, talk to the owner/managers, and tell them what you would like to see them stock. Most successful stores want to hear this information, as long as it is tactful. Don't make a suggestion sound like a complaint, make it sound like you are really trying to pass along some information that you think will be helpful. No one knows what the customers will buy, more than the customers. Tell them what you want to see in the store, and give them some reasons why it would be good.

Let's be honest, in the grand scheme of retailing this is a small niche market. If you want stores and companies to keep producing products that you are interested in, you may have to help out. Most of the time you will find that your efforts are very much appreciated.

Now get out there and buy some miniatures/paint/rules/dice/books from your local store, and give them some suggestions about what you would like to see there! Help save the local stores!

GHQ

Post by **GHQ** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 5:05 am

FYI, here is a Seattle Times article about American Eagles closing:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/b ... hop22.html

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:59 am

I picked up some from the local store this weekend, first time this year.
I'm going to try and drop by more often.

Another one bites the dust

Another one bites the dust

Re: Another one bites the dust