East Midlands Model Railway Shop And Internet Shop For Sale

Business description

Turner Butler are delighted to be appointed as sole selling agents for this exciting business opportunity which has never been brought to the market for sale before.

Having been in business for 15+ years under the careful and skillful stewardship of the current Principal, this business has developed a very strong following from its ever increasing and international client base. Operating from their attractive and very well laid out shop premises located in an excellent conservation area position on one of this City’s main arterial routes to the City Centre.

This business has evolved from the hobbyist interest of the Principal, and his pride of ownership shines through every aspect of the business, particularly its very clean and very well set out look. The business has also evolved over the years, based on a business model of stock availability. In this sector, specialist order stock items can sometimes take a considerable time to be delivered, so over the years, the Owner has cleverly re-invested profits back in to stock. To this end the company now owns what must be one of the most comprehensive model railway stocks around – approximately £240,000. The major brands represented in these stocks include:-

• Hornby
• Bachmann
• Heljan
• Graham Farish
• Dapol (Gold Dealer)
• LGB
• Peco
• Metcalfe
• Superquick
• Guagemaster
• Woodland Scenics

And many more!!

The company has also developed an Internet Shop Website where enthusiasts can order goods for mail order delivery anywhere in the world. This aspect of the business is a key area for development for the future, but the day to day time investment requirement of the shop, which is operated solely by the Principal has prevented this from happening to date.

To enhance the public profile of the business, the company exhibits at specialist shows at a ratio of approximately 12 per annum, plus regular advertising in leading Model Railway Magazines.

So, it can easily be seen that this business has been grown and developed with much love and passion for this niche sector, and has already all the tools in place to take the business forward to greater turnover and profitability. All that is required is the same interest in the sector and the fresh energy and drive which will enable the new owner(s) to benefit from the excellent and sound foundation that has been put in place here.

Equipment:

The business owns and maintains an inventory of fixtures, fittings and associated tools, machinery and equipment, necessary for the smooth flow of daily operations.

It is expected that all such inventory is to be included in a sucessful sales package.

Customer Service:

The Owner of the business has developed a great rapport and an enviable reputation with his customer base during his years in the business. This forms part of the very sound foundations of this business’ future.

Key Opportunities:

In the 21st Century and with the ever increasing ability for world wide communication, surely the key opportunity here is to develop to Internet Shop facility to its maximum capability. This side of the company’s business operates from a separate website facility to the Shops own, and is included in the sale package.

Financial Information:

The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Lease terms:

Current rental comes in at circa £7,000 per annum, with rates (including small business relief) coming in at a very economical circa £ 675 per annum.

Location:

The company’s very attractive leased premises are located in a conservation area of this large City. The shop comes with two dedicated off road parking spaces and, although the current lease expires shortly, an extension is not felt to be a problem for a new owner.

Current rental comes in at circa £7,000 per annum, with rates (including small business relief) coming in at a very economical circa £ 675 per annum.

Other information

Competition / Market:

As previously mentioned, the company has developed and maintains two Internet Websites, advertises frequently in 3 of the leading Model Railway magazines, attends around 12 exhibitions per annum and regularly produces flyers for promotional purposes.

Support & training:

Full support and any necessary training will be provided during handover as part of a successful sale package.

Reasons for selling:

The Owner now wishes to pursue a change of lifestyle.

Trading hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10.00am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm