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and have events that engage customers

with the products and show them it is not difficult to do. Most kids and even parents need to be educated on the product. If they have

success on that first build it always leads to

another build. Make sure you have a neat, organized selection of all

types of kits and skill levels.

HM What trends are you seeing - Sci Fi kits and Gun-dam/Gunpla are hot, anything else?PV For us, it’s the old kits that are driving sales. We have people coming back to the hobby because they remember the kits they built as kids and want that fuzzy, warm feeling again. Also, it helps that the kits are very affordable and MADE IN THE USA! We are in the nostalgia business and we are tapping into that market in a big way.

HM What feedback do you like to hear from customers and stores to help guide product development?PV Keep the classics coming! They also love that we’re 100% made in the USA. We have a parts replacement department that is second to none. Stores like to be confident they can send the customer to us and know the part request will be filled in a timely manner. I think in the future, beyond the classics, we will get into some tooling of modern-day cars, rockets and other products that are in the current news cycle.

HM Are models a good “gateway drug” to get people involved in other hobbies too?PV Tom, I do think they are a great gateway drug. Models are affordable with minimum tools required. I started out with models around 6 years old, then went into HO scale model trains and then right into 1/64 slot car racing with all those greats race sets of the 70s! But it all started for

A conversation with Atlantis Toy & Hobby’s Peter Vetri

My first interactions with Peter Vetri of Atlantis Toy and Hobby were soliciting kits for the Make-N-Takes at iHobby Expo.

Those con-versations always put Atlantis Models kits on the tables for the kids. Literally thousands of kids went through those sessions over the years with a good exposure to the modeling hobby.

Two years ago, Atlantis acquired the molds left behind by Rev-ell of Germany when Great Planes folded. In conversation with Peter at IPMS Nationals last year, I learned that he got a lot more than just molds. There were file cabinets filled with well-organized documents from several of the old model companies that went under years ago. Among the molds were some that never saw production for one reason or another. Most were molds of classic models produced decades ago. The reissues of these kits under the Atlantis label have been well received. Peter has also contin-ued his support of the hobby by releasing lower skill level kits and making it easier for Make-N-Take programs to continue around the country.

I took an opportunity to ask Peter for his thoughts on the status of scale model building with a look toward the future. Here is the conversation.

HM What can store owners do to encourage sales of model kits?PV I think a great way to encourage sales is to have Make & Take events at the store. Atlantis does provide very affordable bagged kits for just this type of program. If possible, get a display case of model kits built up. This always drives sales in the store. Hang some planes from the ceilings and keep your model kit section organized!

HM Any tips from stores that have been successful with models?PV Selection,selection, selection and affordability. What are your neighborhood demographics? Stores should study this

Tom Grossman

MODEL KIT REPORT

Peter Vetri in the Atlantis Toy and Hobby booth at the 2020 Toy Fair.

26 HOBBY MERCHANDISER AUGUST 2020

me with plastic models. That sweet pungent smell of new plastic, it sticks with ya!

Building on some of Peter’s thoughts, scale modeling has more value than just nostalgia. It can be a jumping-off point for learning at home. Kids can research the history of the subjects and related top-ics like internal combustion engines and the physics of flight. Many subject areas can be used to stimulate exploration of history.

In-store events have great value. Make-N-Takes for kids bring in families. Demos can be as simple as someone who can talk to people with excitement building a model at a table. As Peter points out, these will show that it’s not that hard. If there are model clubs in your area, they might be able to get members to come in. It’s a recruiting opportunity for them as well as a draw to your store. You

might even be able to talk them into running a public vote contest for the other modelers who frequent your store. If you’re going to do any such events, spread the word!

A good selection is key, in kits, tools and supplies. Having events that bring people in gets folks into your aisles and at your registers. We do our best to bring you information on the latest and greatest here at Hobby Merchandiser. I hope it helps! HM

Vintage kits from Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Tom Daniel and others are part of the nostalgia-laden line-up from Atlantis Models.

The team at Atlantis Toy & Hobby.