'Retail is not the same': HobbyTown USA in Tallahassee is closing

HobbyTown USA will be closing its doors for good in a matter of days.

Located at 1812 Thomasville Road, the store is slated to close its normal operations by May 5. HobbyTown USA is a franchise business with locations across the country. In Tallahassee, it's been located in several areas, including Mahan Drive.

Vanessa Brodhead and her husband, Michael, purchased the franchise rights in September 2014 at its current location. The couple, who both served in the U.S. Navy, purchased the store so they could move and plant roots in Tallahassee and be near family.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brodhead said the couple decided to put the store on the market for sale in June 2020. But, no viable offers surfaced. The pandemic prompted a national shutdown from schools, businesses and indoor events, and the store's inventory of puzzles and other activities became quite popular.

HobbyTown USA is known for a wide variety of items, including toys for various ages, toy airplanes and boats, drones, helicopters and rock crawlers. While the store has gained a loyal following of customers, hobbyists and collectors, Brodhead said it's time for a change.

Remaining inventory will be sold at a discount as final sales with no returns. In addition, store furniture, display cases and fixtures are also available for sale.

"We've been doing this now for 15 years ... Retail is not the same as it had been all of those years ago," she said.

Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: HobbyTown USA in Tallahassee is closing