While this story certainly tugs at your emotions, it got me to thinking about the changing nature of the business hobby shop owner find themselves in these days. While Wold's Hobbies during their 30 years of serving their community certainly made an impact, serving even second and third generation modelers, Chet Wold's statement that 'the internet killed our business' has to be taken with a grain of salt.

While it's no doubt true that many people nowadays buy their parts and pieces on the internet, it's probably also true that any local hobby shop that hasn't embraced this change in a way that could make some sense for them is likely headed for the same outcome as the Wolds. Even though many, especially those who've worked as a traditional retail outlet for so long are unlikely to dive headlong into the web, even some of the most long-established retailers have a web presence. It's really getting to the point that if you don't have some sort of a web presence, even if it's merely local, you'll have a tough time competing. Chet Wold laments that the when he started, people would build all sorts of projects, but now seem to opt more for the ready-to-go models.

I hope the Wold's find what they're seeking in their retirement, and escaping the day to day world of retailing will be certainly be a relief. Is this where hobby shops are headed? Or will they evolve? Food for thought…