Caboose Hobbies derailed, being scrapped

[Bob]

It appears that this is the end of the Caboose Hobbies in Denver. There is a sign on the door stating that the store is closed, inventory being removed, and building going up for sale. A related "social justice" parent company that I don't understand, Caboose PBC (public benefit corporation), will continue to operate.



I wonder what will happen to the Rio Grande caboose at the corner of the lot on Alameda?

Bob

[Bob]

After more research, It appears that Caboose PBC doesn't fall under a social justice category. I apologize for my misunderstanding and labeling it as such. The Colorado Secretary of State web site defines a PBC as:

"A1. A public benefit corporation (PBC) is a for profit corporation or domestic cooperative  that is intended to produce one or more public benefits and to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. A PBC must be managed in a manner that balances the shareholders' pecuniary interests, the best interest of those materially affected by the corporation's conduct, and the public benefit identified in its articles of incorporation."

What is a public benefit?

"A2. Section 7-101-503(2), C.R.S., defines public benefit as "one or more positive effects or reduction of negative effects on one or more categories of persons, entities, communities, or interests other than shareholders in their capacities as shareholders, including effects of an artistic, charitable, cultural, economic, educational, environmental, literary, medical, religious, scientific, or technological nature.""

The above are quoted from the web site:
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/FAQs/pbc.html

What business advantages accrue from filing as a PBC in Colorado are not at all clear to me at this time. I'm not a lawyer. It might be educational to research the articles of incorporation to learn more about Caboose PBC.

What is clear is that brick-and-mortar stores are fading into history. I sincerely miss being able to browse the well-stocked shelves of the original Caboose Hobbies on south Broadway in Denver. I usually left with sacks of stuff that I never knew I needed until I saw all the goodies hanging on peg boards or sitting on shelves. Somehow the impulse to purchase doesn't hit me when browsing a web site with low resolution or no photos, to the same degree that it did when I could personally hold and closely inspect the actual package from all angles. There is nothing like seeing the goods in person. Web purchasing feels like buying a "pig in a poke." I can't tell the difference between a true gem and paste.

Bob

[RickBacon]

I’m sorry that someone’s dream didn’t work out! I’ve always had a desire to own and operate a hobby shop and have worked at a couple in my younger years. But thankfully I have either been employed well enough or the timing was too far off to take the risk! Every time a shop fails, a barrage of opinions play out across the forums. Performing the post-business autopsy seems to be a hobby unto itself! I’m guilty! And in true forum fashion I have formed an opinion with very little actual insider knowledge! Here goes...

My base observation in ALL closed shops: Running a hobby shop is not a hobby. It is work, and requires business skills. Modeling skills/intentions do not apply.

Funny thing as I reflect back over the hundreds of hobby shops I’ve visited, I remember a large number of active modelers working at shops, but can’t recall a single active modeler owning a shop. There seems to be a hidden barrier in ownership. I suggest it is the “work” part and that this holds true even if you change the hobby; hot rod restoration, quilting, gun smithing, bug collecting...

My second observation is that hobby shops close for two reasons: they were well run and financially successful, leading to the final retirement of the owner (Caboose Hobbies 500 S Broadway) or they were financially unsuccessful and had to close (the new Caboose store).

I knew a lot of the personalities behind Caboose Hobbies and none of the people at Caboose. As such I can’t fully compare the two shops. I can compare my shopping experience between the two stores. I spent less than $100 dollars at the new location and left tens of thousands at the original! Doesn’t take a lot of business sense to follow that trend! The differential is directly proportional to the availability of product that appealed to me. Disappointingly, I really tried to find something to purchase during my half dozen trips, but they weren’t maintaining their stock of staples like glue and styrene!

As to the unorthodox PBC thing... I’m truly confused! It’s possible there is a new business model there, but it sure blends in well with all the other currently fashionable social virtue signaling clutter.

My final opinion: Caboose Hobbies and Caboose were never the same! Two completely different stores! Had the new store been successful, the platonic nod to the original store would have been a nice nostalgic gesture. But claiming succession while failing is a slap to the face of the real deal! Just my opinion.

Oh, and COVID didn’t kill it, it’s just feels better to blame COVID.

[Craig]

Hey Guys. Saw that too...and the same conversation arose when it went under...why?  Sure seemed to be because of lack of new inventory. But also that they could seem to pay bills. No business will last long in that manner.

Like you guys said....I used to go to the old store every couple of months...buying stuff I didn’t know or think I needed. But I got it anyway.   I would spend hundreds getting things...and then would even call back down to talk with the staff about something I was looking for.

For me the new store started off great...but each time I visited...it was the same inventory (and less of it) and nothing new showed up.  So I fickle went down and spent my gift cards I had and got something before the demise of the store happened. I knew a few folks involved down there...all seem like great people.  Unfortunately being great doesn’t mean a business will succeed.

I think you are right Bob. The brick and mortar are becoming less and less. I just hope those that are around can survive.

I guess a road trip to Spring Creek might be in order!!!