Local family-operated hobby shop in Syracuse concludes operations following half a century in business
Walt's HobbyTown in Geddes, NY to Close After Nearly 50 Years
After almost half a century in business, Walt's HobbyTown, a beloved store specialising in radio-controlled model rockets, cars, and airplanes, will be closing by the end of summer. The news has left long-time customer Phil Nash, a regular from Liverpool, feeling disappointed.
The store's owner, Bruce Throne, confirmed the closure to The Post-Standard on Monday. Throne, who has been running the store since Walter Throne retired 20 years ago, attributed the decision to changes in customer shopping habits, increased online competition, and the challenges of running a specialty retail store.
Nash, who has been shopping at the store for over 10 years, appreciates the store for carrying unique model kits and for tracking down items if they're not in stock. He laments that younger generations seem less interested in radio-controlled models due to their focus on social media and smartphones.
Walt's HobbyTown, which initially opened in Westvale Plaza in 1975, has moved locations multiple times and is currently operating on Dwight Park Drive in Geddes. The store sells supplies for building, painting, and operating radio-controlled and other models, and it features an indoor track for "RC" hobbyists to race their model cars and trucks.
Business at the store has been slow in recent years, primarily due to younger people not getting into hobbies like radio-controlled models as they once did. Kids are reportedly more involved in school activities now, contributing to the decline in radio-controlled model hobbies.
Nash expressed his sentiments about the store closing, saying it's like losing a connection with the customers. He is not alone in his feelings, as many regular customers have formed strong bonds with the store and its staff over the years.
Everything in the store is currently 50% off, and while the exact closing date has not been specified, it will be within a month. Bruce Throne's father, Walter Throne, who was instrumental in the formation of the National Retail Hobby Store Association, passed away in 2023 at age 78.
As Walt's HobbyTown prepares to close its doors, it leaves a void in the hearts of its loyal customers and the local community. The store's legacy will continue to be remembered, and its impact on the lives of its customers will not be forgotten.
