Another LHS bites the dust...Hobby Island in Houston, TX will be closing in March of this year:

"It is with sadness and regret that we must inform you that Hobby Island will end business operations effective Saturday, March 3, 2007. We have decided on this course of action after much thought and consideration of all options available to us. The main reason is that our current location was sold to new owners at the end of 2006. Our current lease expires at the end of March. Rental increases make continuing at this location not possible. Rents in Houston are much higher than when we opened eight years ago and the costs of a move would be substantial. Also, I am now at tn age where signing a three to five year lease is not appealing to me, not to mention packing up and moving to basically start all over again. We thank our loyal customers who have supported us during our eight year run. It has been a wonderful experience and we have great memories to carry with us. "



This was the only plastic-only hobby shop in Houston. Gonna be tough to get some of the stuff they stocked, even if this is the 4th largest metro area in the US. Or is it third now? Regardless, Dave ran a great shop, supported the local IPMS big time, and was always happy to answer questions. Hobby Island will be missed.

This is a situation that seems to be prevalent all over. Here in Ontario, we have had many local shops fold up also. The whole Leisure World chain closed up years ago and even in Orangeville, where I have lived for 45 years, I have seen at least six shops come and go. I opened in 1993 and at that time there were two other shops in close proximity. Now the next closest shops are 25-30 miles away.

Seems the brick and mortar shops are going the way of the Dodo.. It is a real shame. There is nothing like spending a few hours lurking about in the aisles checking out the goodies. I suppose the internet it partly to blame for this..

Nice store James. I had the pleasure of a visit there last summer on the way home..


Dave