28 November 2013
|
Hornby Hobbies opens its own store in Swindon Designer Outlet
Dedicated store to sell Corgi, Airfix, Scalextric, Humbrol and, of course, Hornby model railways. ...
Hornby Hobbies opens its own store in Swindon Designer Outlet Images
It an interesting move, Hornby Hobbies (owner of the Corgi, Airfix, Scalextric, Humbrol and Hornby brands, among others) has recently opened its own store inside the Swindon McArthur Glen designer outlet, selling a huge range of collectable products... who needs ModelZone, when you can just open your own store, eh? The 900 square foot store is a "trial format aimed at providing a consumer brand experience", according to Hornby's recent management report.
The famous British manufacturer says that "Swindon Designer Outlet is an ideal location for the new store because of its strong links to British railway heritage. The outlet was built upon former buildings belonging to Swindon Railway Works and is next door to STEAM – The Museum of the Great Western Railway. To commemorate these connections to the golden age of steam, a real locomotive which was built at Swindon Railway Works is on display in the middle of the shopping centre".
Sales and brands director, Nathaniel Southworth, added: “The consumer will ultimately decide what, where, and when they will buy our products. Our team remain committed to producing products that our consumers find highly desirable. As Hornby moves to being a consumer-focused business, we have to get closer to the consumer.
"This store is a progressive step for the business in receiving direct feedback from the consumer and in understanding all the challenges our retail customers face. It will help our team appreciate first-hand the operational efficiencies we need to achieve to improve our service to retailers.
"The branding as Hornby Hobbies is a fitting banner to display Hornby railways, Scalextric Race sets, Airfix model kits, and Corgi collectable diecast models. Hornby’s brands are not out of place alongside Cadbury, Polo Ralph Lauren, Portmeirion, and John Lewis to name a few at the outlet. We have already had some wonderful consumer interaction in the store, and we are delighted with the progress thus far."
Let us know whether you've visited the "consumer brand experience"... otherwise known as a shop and what you thought. Plus, would you like to see more Hornby Hobbies stores rolled out across the country?
Remember, to get the latest collecting news delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks, sign up for our e-newsletter.
![]()
The famous British manufacturer says that "Swindon Designer Outlet is an ideal location for the new store because of its strong links to British railway heritage. The outlet was built upon former buildings belonging to Swindon Railway Works and is next door to STEAM – The Museum of the Great Western Railway. To commemorate these connections to the golden age of steam, a real locomotive which was built at Swindon Railway Works is on display in the middle of the shopping centre".
Sales and brands director, Nathaniel Southworth, added: “The consumer will ultimately decide what, where, and when they will buy our products. Our team remain committed to producing products that our consumers find highly desirable. As Hornby moves to being a consumer-focused business, we have to get closer to the consumer.
"This store is a progressive step for the business in receiving direct feedback from the consumer and in understanding all the challenges our retail customers face. It will help our team appreciate first-hand the operational efficiencies we need to achieve to improve our service to retailers.
"The branding as Hornby Hobbies is a fitting banner to display Hornby railways, Scalextric Race sets, Airfix model kits, and Corgi collectable diecast models. Hornby’s brands are not out of place alongside Cadbury, Polo Ralph Lauren, Portmeirion, and John Lewis to name a few at the outlet. We have already had some wonderful consumer interaction in the store, and we are delighted with the progress thus far."
Let us know whether you've visited the "consumer brand experience"... otherwise known as a shop and what you thought. Plus, would you like to see more Hornby Hobbies stores rolled out across the country?
Remember, to get the latest collecting news delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks, sign up for our e-newsletter.
Content continues after advertisements