The Little World

I visit two hobby shops regularly – another two every six months – and a couple more not at all.

The chosen ones are close at hand when I am at home or coming from my weekly club meeting. The occasional ones are out of the way but rewarding for small items. The rejects are hard to get to and/or unpleasant to deal with.

I should like to promote the business success of those in the first categories but am at a loss how to go about it. My column can say their names and give their addresses but the people who read it are scattered far away. The local enthusiasts know of them already. Ideally I need to advertise them to new customers somehow. It is particularly difficult to do if they do not do so themselves.

Some do participate in exhibitions and shows – I have encountered their stands and employees when I attend as a spectator. Some do not…and I’m at a loss to think why they don’t make the effort. Business acumen would seem to suggest that more exposure is always better.

I can only hope this changes so that their shops can remain open – i like to visit but hate to be the only one in t(e place.