|
Post by riogrande on Feb 11, 2024 18:06:59 GMT -8
The suspense!!!
|
|
|
Post by sauconyard on Feb 13, 2024 5:23:48 GMT -8
It does seem like there is either a very clunky reorganization of Hattons/MBK going on, or that someone realized that MBK tech and name had real asset value to sell. Interesting business story playing out in front of us.
|
|
|
Post by gevohogger on Feb 13, 2024 8:07:49 GMT -8
Their website now says they "will return, stay tuned for further details" Am pretty sure Studebaker posted the same statement on their site. Unforeseen plot twist: Intermountain also bought Studebaker.
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Feb 13, 2024 8:39:27 GMT -8
Am pretty sure Studebaker posted the same statement on their site. Unforeseen plot twist: Intermountain also bought Studebaker. It seems there may be a temporal rift at play now.
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Feb 14, 2024 5:37:36 GMT -8
Their website now says they "will return, stay tuned for further details" Am pretty sure Studebaker posted the same statement on their site. Studebaker continued as a company, they just stopped selling automobiles. Penn Central did the same, they continued, but transitioned from rail to insurance. Hatton/MBK likely has debt to settle, the MB Klein name and customer database has value and could be sold for money that would then apply to the debt. That would allow someone to pump more business out of the name. It's not uncommon, Montgomery Ward, Radio Shack, Service Merchandise, and a lot of others continued as internet-only (or primarily) after their stores closed. Even Circuit City came back after several years of inactivity. It's very likely someone like Intermountain would buy the rights and use it to gain a retail footprint. Particularly since they will likely pay much less for it as an asset than they would have for the entire business.
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Feb 14, 2024 6:21:23 GMT -8
It's very likely someone like Intermountain would buy the rights and use it to gain a retail footprint. Particularly since they will likely pay much less for it as an asset than they would have for the entire business. Apparently not Intermountain - here is what Intermountain posted at TrainOrders on Feb 12:
|
|
|
Post by Baikal on Feb 14, 2024 8:54:05 GMT -8
Am pretty sure Studebaker posted the same statement on their site. Studebaker continued as a company, they just stopped selling automobiles. Penn Central did the same, they continued, but transitioned from rail to insurance. Hatton/MBK likely has debt to settle, the MB Klein name and customer database has value and could be sold for money that would then apply to the debt. That would allow someone to pump more business out of the name. It's not uncommon, Montgomery Ward, Radio Shack, Service Merchandise, and a lot of others continued as internet-only (or primarily) after their stores closed. Even Circuit City came back after several years of inactivity. It's very likely someone like Intermountain would buy the rights and use it to gain a retail footprint. Particularly since they will likely pay much less for it as an asset than they would have for the entire business.
Guilford Transportation Industries bought the rights to defunct Pan Am Airways and changed the railroad name to Pan Am Railways, part of Pan Am Systems. PAS also owned a new iteration of Pan Am Airways which operated between 1998 and 2004.
|
|
|
Post by crblue on Feb 14, 2024 9:47:05 GMT -8
I just got an email from ModelTrainStuff, it looks like Factory Direct Hobbies bought their outstanding gift cards, as they will be transferred over to there.
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Feb 14, 2024 11:31:32 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by hudsonyard on Feb 14, 2024 15:48:31 GMT -8
If intermountain bought MBK it could be years before your package arrives...
I recently dealt with factory direct returning a mis-picked car, was smooth, professional and took maybe all of 36 hours end to end over a weekend to get a shipping label and refund. Much nicer than a lot of other hobby distros i've dealt with.
|
|
|
Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Feb 14, 2024 15:59:20 GMT -8
Have used Factory Direct since they were basically BLI's bargain basement. Always felt well treated. One time Joe did send me something by mistake, instead of returning it I negotiated a killer deal and kept it. They sent the proper item quickly as well.
Wil be interesting to see how the cards are dealt out on the current situation. MTS/Klein was one of my primary mail order sources. I will miss them.
|
|
|
Post by Mr. Trainiac on Mar 11, 2024 14:54:48 GMT -8
I saw a post on Instagram a few minutes ago that says MB Klein (Model Train Stuff) will be back. Looks like a similar post is on their facebook as well: www.facebook.com/MBKModelTrainStuffI wonder if Hattons managed to pull something off, or if the brand is still independent?
|
|
|
Post by hudsonyard on Mar 11, 2024 15:27:04 GMT -8
All this rigmarole and the shipping will still take a solid week longer than everyone else.
|
|
|
Post by wagnersteve on Mar 11, 2024 17:54:47 GMT -8
3/11/24, aboutg 9:54 p.m.
Mr. Trainiac, thanks for your post. Here's hoping . . .
|
|
|
Post by wmcbride on Mar 12, 2024 16:15:19 GMT -8
Email tonight that Factory Direct Hobbies has bought modeltrainstuff. "My name is Joe Grubba, and I'm the President of Factory Direct Hobbies. Today, I'm reaching out with some exciting news. I'm thrilled to share that MB Klein and ModelTrainStuff.com are now part of the Factory Direct Hobbies family. We're an American company based in Arden, North Carolina, and we're passionate about our hobby and the model train community. I know that the recent changes in ownership and the unexpected shutdown have caused a lot of confusion, disappointment, and even anger. I want you to know that I hear you. These are feelings we never want our customers to experience, and I'm truly sorry for the stress and inconvenience this has caused. As we move forward, I want to assure you that our team is dedicated to not only bringing back the ModelTrainStuff.com you know and love, but also making it even better. We're committed to maintaining its unique identity and ensuring that it remains your go-to source for all things model trains. Here's what we're working on: Faster Shipping: We're improving our logistics to get your orders to you quicker and more reliably. Rewards Program: We understand how much the rewards program means to you, and we're committed to bringing it back in the best way possible. While our ultimate goal is to restore your previously earned points, we kindly ask for your patience as we carefully review the program to ensure its future feasibility, sustainability, and fairness. A Familiar Team: We're delighted to welcome back John Weigel, MTS' Customer Service Manager, to provide continuity and experience. Additionally, we're reaching out to other previous team members to bring back the expertise and familiarity you've valued in various departments. Improved Search: We're enhancing our website's search capabilities to ensure you can easily find the products you're looking for. Independent Identity: ModelTrainStuff.com will keep its distinct spirit, brand, and website, providing the specialized experience you've come to appreciate. While we're eager to relaunch the site, we want to make sure everything is just right. We don't have a set date yet, but we promise to keep you in the loop. Please visit our landing page at www.modeltrainstuff.com to sign up for updates. Your feedback is incredibly important to us. If you have any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to customercare@modeltrainstuff.com. This is a journey we're on together, and your input will help shape the future of ModelTrainStuff. Thank you for your patience and for sticking with us through these changes. I believe that the best is yet to come, and I can't wait to share this next chapter with you. Warm regards, Joseph M. Grubba Joe Grubba President Factory Direct Hobbies / MB Klein & Model Train Stuff" Bill McBride
|
|
|
Post by sauconyard on Mar 12, 2024 16:33:21 GMT -8
Unsubscribe…..Trainworld, Lombard, and Hogtrainz will do nicely.
Factory Direct will merge with MBK in the next 12-18 months with more BLI garbage to dump on the street.
|
|
|
Post by Mr. Trainiac on Mar 12, 2024 16:44:19 GMT -8
BLI empire to rival the Scaletrains conglomerate?
|
|
|
Post by cera2254 on Mar 12, 2024 17:37:56 GMT -8
I guess I don’t get it, why have two web sites for the same inventory instead of just one?
|
|
|
Post by sauconyard on Mar 12, 2024 17:58:27 GMT -8
Factory Direct has always been known to be affiliated with BLI. Likely this is a low cost opportunity to acquire customer lists and some technology. No sane business person would operate both, that’s just BS to keep people from unsubscribing.
In the end, it’s BLI. If you like them, great, if not, plenty of other options.
What’s more interesting to me is that it seems like Hattons really did just get this all wrong and wanted or needed to get out.
|
|
|
Post by alcoc430 on Mar 12, 2024 18:35:47 GMT -8
Maybe he picked up all of MTS's inventory as well.
|
|
|
Post by crblue on Mar 13, 2024 7:48:15 GMT -8
Factory Direct has always been known to be affiliated with BLI. Likely this is a low cost opportunity to acquire customer lists and some technology. No sane business person would operate both, that’s just BS to keep people from unsubscribing. In the end, it’s BLI. If you like them, great, if not, plenty of other options. What’s more interesting to me is that it seems like Hattons really did just get this all wrong and wanted or needed to get out. What technology? They were using a bespoke store withiut much if any customization. At best it's a customer list. Is a customer list really that important?
|
|