Ian Allan Waterloo to close in October

[Nick]

I went by the Ian Allan book and model shop in Waterloo yesterday and above the door is a large estate agent sign. The lease on the site is up for sale.

From talking to other people in the London model club it seems that since the old boy died the family are not that keen on running the shop(s) and would prefer to concentrate on the website sales.

[NARSES2]

It'll be a shame if it does close as it's another link to the past gone, but I can understand the families point of view.

[Nick]

I have had it confirmed that the Ian Allan shop at Waterloo will close on 31st October 2020. A friend had a chat with the staff who said that the For Lease sign went up before the Allan family told the staff what was happening. 

As I thought the family aren't interested in the rail/transport/military bookshop but think they can get more money from renting the Waterloo site out to another business. I'm surprised they didn't try to sell the business on as a franchise or licensing the famous name. Ian Allan Books is over.
If you have an Ian Allan loyalty card you need to get in quick and use it up.

DISCOUNTS will be available on all models, tools and paints from next Saturday, approx 30% off (not a lot in there right now, highly priced anyway).
The books will be reduced from 15th October.

[NARSES2]

but think they can get more money from renting the Waterloo site out to another business.

In the current financial/economic climate ? Really ? I'll have a glass of whatever they are having bartender. 

[NARSES2]

Ian Allan Books is over.

Another grand old name bites the dust. Very sad 

[Nick]

Popped in there this morning and the sale is in full swing. 50% off books, 33% off model kits and railways. One guy was checking his phone for paint samples while he stripped the Humbrol paint stand 

Not much left by way of railway DVDs or motorsport. Lots of books about various railway lines.

Aviation books are well in stock. Prototypes and What-if section has plenty to offer. If you want any of the French or American Secret Projects at half price get in touch ASAP.