Steve,
It is not a situation that is unknown in the hobby. I can't relate to you how many customers I have lost in the past 15 years from LaBelle.
When I had a conversation with Duane Miller (Glenn's Adopted Son) quite a few years ago, even 10 years ago, he said that more then 70 percent of his business came from online or mail order. This was a decade ago, and I have a feeling that the percentage has grown. You don't need a brick and mortar store to sell online. Hopefully they will move further south in Denver, closer to their base of business. I don't know if they will ever be the "world's Largest Train Store" again, but I hope that this helps them survive.
Another thing that has to be considered is that Duane and Joanna are not getting any younger (as we all aren't) and may want to sell the business but can't get the price that they want. I just wish them the best of luck whatever their decision is
Yes, I bought my first Brass there as well $49.95 for a PFM C&S 2-8-0. also my second $59.95 for a Balboa 2-6-6T Mason Bogie.
Rick
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/16/2016 09:54PM by Rick Steele.