Hobbycraft and Airfix

[Nick]

I went into my local Hobbycraft this week and they had a sign by the small range of Airfix kits and the near empty Humbrol paint stand stating:

"Due to Stock issues we will no longer be stocking humbrol and airfix."

Reading on Facebook it turns out this is a nationwide issue and may be due to Airfix doing a deal with WH Smith. Hobbycraft are still selling Tamiya, Italeri and Revell kits and paints.

[kitbasher]

What's the WH Smith deal, Nick?

[scooter]

What's the WH Smith deal, Nick?

Sole-source retailing through WH Smith's acquisition of Modelzone, probably.  At least that's what I can tell from here (which doesn't have a date, so I'm not sure how current):

WHSmith has announced that hobby brand Modelzone has launched an exclusive online offer of scale model products, kits and accessories

WHSmith has announced that specialist hobbyist brand Modelzone has launched an exclusive online offer of scale model products, kits and accessories at WHSmith.co.uk from today. This new online offer includes a wide range of scale model kits and related products from brands such as Airfix, Hornby and Scalextric.

During lockdown this year, modelling and collecting has seen a significant resurgence with customers searching for more hobbies and activities to enjoy at home. Modelzone, which was acquired by WHSmith in 2013, has returned this Christmas with an online offer catering for all, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts, with products including starter kits, junior lines and exclusive and limited-edition products.

Tim Mulhall, Chief Operations Officer at Hornby Hobbies, commented, "I'm sure many future Collectors will discover their passion based on a first purchase from Modelzone this Christmas."

Modelzone products are now available exclusively online at www.whsmith.co.uk

[Rheged]

It is possible that Hobbycraft have not got the wholesale terms they wanted from Airfix/Humbrol (not enough profit for them), and have decided not to stock their products

[kitbasher]

Thanks Scooter.  Totally forgot about that deal, have seen no evidence of it in the branches I've been in (admittedly not that many!) since that announcement.

[Weaver]

Thanks Scooter.  Totally forgot about that deal, have seen no evidence of it in the branches I've been in (admittedly not that many!) since that announcement.

The big WH Smiths in the Manchester Arndale Centre had a quite decent Modelzone section the last time i looked (over two years ago now), but I've never seen another one. Certainly not in the small town shops.

[Mossie]

Last time I looked (a good few years ago) there were a handful of Spitfire starter sets in one of the larger stores and nothing in the smaller ones.

[Knightflyer]

I was in our local Hobbycraft yesterday (I had a £2.50 voucher to spend!)

A single shelf of a few Airfix models (less than 10?) and a wooden box (half A4 size) with all the Airfix paints unceremoniously (and totally jumbled up) tipped in.
Very few of the more commonly used colours but lots of odder ones.
Picked up Humbrol 234 thinking it was a 'brown' and got home to discover it was dark flesh, which was a new shade on me?

[Nick]

It is possible that Hobbycraft have not got the wholesale terms they wanted from Airfix/Humbrol (not enough profit for them), and have decided not to stock their products

That is what I was thinking. Just means I will go to my LHS. Thankfully I still have one 

I have to say that the Tamiya and Italeri range looked just like the kits I bought back in the 80s from Beatties. I get the whole 'If it ain't broke don't fix it" thing but a little revamp wouldn't hurt.