HOBBYIST haven Modelzone looks set to be the latest retailer to crash out of an ever depleting British High Street. The company collapsed last month, subsequently entering into administration leaving over 400 jobs, in their 47 nationwide stores, facing redundancy.
It's also a blow to Manchester city centre as it further limits the offer of retail and makes the city centre a tiny bit more one-dimensional.
Modelzone occupies two locations in Manchester- one in the Trafford Centre and the other in the city hub on Deansgate. While closure is imminent, no date has been set, but it is expected to be within the next two weeks.
Deloitte, who have been appointed administrators, have so far been unable to find any successful buyers for the ailing company that made a £750,000 operating loss in 2012. The wholesaler section of the company, Amerang, has been bought out by rivals Ripmax Limited which although good news for the company will provide little comfort for the retailer’s store workers.
Much like other high street institutions Game and Woolworth’s , Modelzone has failed to compete against the cheap, rent free, trade of the internet as well as a decline in demand for traditional toys, as the computer and internet gaming has soared.
It's also a blow to Manchester city centre as it further limits the offer of retail and makes the city centre a tiny bit more one-dimensional. Expect another Caffé Nero/Starbucks/Costa or a Paddy Power to occupy the space and spare a thought for the staff of the shop who enlivened the Deansgate scene with beautifully constructed models.
The fire sale is in full swing at Modelzone so if you have any childhood modelling cravings that need to be satisfied grab yourself a bargain.
