The Little World

I visit at a number of hobby shops here in the Perth metro area and generally drop a little money in each one. I note, however, that some of them are struggling against the fact of their location, as much as the prices and supply chain.

No names, no pack drill, but here are my views on the candidates…

a. Good shop in the mid north. Well set-out. Accessible from a main road. Large enough car park, but a slightly dodgy area. You want to keep the car locked whilst inside.

b. Small shop in rough satellite town. Enough parking space outside but very crowded inside. This probably works in their favour, as you tend to linger longer. But you have to be going to the satellite town for something else.

c. Shop in a central part of town, but so little parking that you really hesitate to stop…even if you are passing.

d. Shop upstairs hidden in the corner of a professional building. Great access to stock but you have to know where it is and you have to be lucky to get a parking spot round the corner.

e. Old, established shop on a suburban feeder street with a car park that punishes you for your temerity. Good stock, but a chore to navigate the potholes and the concrete bars.

f. Modern shop with extensive stock in a large mall. Access from three entrances via main roads. Overheads, however must keep the prices what they are.

Life is not fair to all retailers, nor yet to their customers. There is no perfect location – yet there are some more imperfect than others. The wise shops specialise in something that is neglected elsewhere, and can weather the discomfort of the customers.