'Immense sadness' because hobby shop suddenly stops doing business after 77 years
SHOPPERS have let out a collective groan after a legendary hobby shop announced it would soon close.
Hattons Modern Railways, in Widnes, Cheshire, is closing after 77 years “with enormous sadness”.
The retailer, which had carried out a multi-million pound operation, announced the closure in a statement on its Facebook page.
It said: “It is with immense sadness that we share news of the impending closure of Hattons Model Railways, an institution in the hobby since 1946.
“Over the past decades, we have had the privilege of serving enthusiasts and sharing our passion for model railroading with hundreds of thousands of customers.”
News of the closure has stunned model railway fans and hobbyists.
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One said: “A shot from the sky, a name I have grown to love and trust over the years, you will all be sadly missed.
“I extend my best wishes to all the affected people for their future.”
A second said: “It's so sad to see this. Myself and the whole model railway community thank you for your excellent customer service and dedication to our hobby.”
Meanwhile, a third added: “I can hardly believe this.
“With so many local model railway shops closed, Hattons and several other retailers held back the hobby.”
A fourth said: “Wow! I always thought Hattons would be the last man standing!
“Sorry to everyone involved, thank you for your years of excellent service, you will be missed.”
The store has not announced the exact closing date, but has launched an 'everything must go' sale on its website.
Shoppers have until February 4 to claim up to 50% off model trains, tracks and accessories.
Hattons Modern Railways started in 1946 as a small shop on Liverpool's historic Smithdown Road, selling everything from firewood and bric-a-brac to second-hand toys and fireworks.
Eventually the store became known for its model train sets and accessories, which launched online in 1999.
At its peak, the website attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors per month, with customers able to choose from thousands of products.
The closure of the iconic retailer comes as a number of other stores in nearby Liverpool have closed in a blow to shoppers.
Retail chain Sook closed all its branches in December after failing to find sufficient financing.
The retailer had stores across England, including in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
In a LinkedIn post, founder John Hoyle said he was “devastated” to stop trading.
He added: “Despite the extraordinary efforts of our team, growing revenues and achieving international scale, we have not been able to raise sufficient investment to continue in the current environment.
“I am so proud of everything we have achieved and extremely sad that we cannot continue.”
Meanwhile, Tesco closed one of its Express branches in Liverpool in November.
In the same month, award-winning restaurant Lu Ban in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle announced it would be closing permanently.
A spokesperson for the eatery said the closure was “not a decision we have taken lightly”, adding that the cost of living crisis had led to a drop in customers.
But it's not all bad news for the city, with some retailers opening stores in 2024.
Weird Fish, a fashion chain sold by Next, will open ten new stores in the UK this year, including in Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Frasers Group, owner of the Sports Direct brand, has taken over Compton House on Liverpool's famous Church Street after M&S left the site last August.
Locals have been full of praise along the way, with one calling it 'great news'.
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