‘Immense sadness’ as legendary hobby shop ceases trading after 77 years in shock move ‘out of the blue’

SHOPPERS have let out a collective groan after a legendary hobby shop announced it will close imminently.

The retailer, known for selling toy trains and accessories across the globe, is pulling down its shutters after 77 years.

Hattons Modern Railways, in Widnes, Cheshire, which started out in 1946, stocking everything from bric-a-brac to fireworks and toys, will close its branch and cease online operations imminently.

In a statement on its website the retailer said it was not insolvent, meaning it is able to repay outstanding debts.

The retailer, which claims to be a multi-million pound operation, said it was closing with "immense sadness" in a post on Facebook.

It added: "Over the decades, we've been privileged to serve enthusiasts and share our passion for model railways with hundreds of thousands of customers."

News of the closure has stunned model rail fans and hobbyists.

One said: "A shot out of the blue, a name I have come to love and trust over the years, you will all be sadly missed.

"I wish all the people affected my best wishes for their future."

A second said: "So sad to see this. Myself and all model railway community thank you for your excellent customer service and dedication to our hobby."

Meanwhile, a third added: "I can hardly believe this.

"With so many local model railway shops closed Hattons along with several other retailers were holding up the hobby."

A fourth said: "Wow! I'd always thought that Hattons would be the last man standing!

"So sorry for all the people involved, thanks for your years of excellent service, you'll be missed."

The store did not say the exact date it is closing, but has launched an "everything must go" sale on its website.

Shoppers have until February 4 to claim up to 50% off on model trains, tracks and accessories.

Hattons Modern Railways started out as a small shop in Liverpool's historic Smithdown Road in 1946, selling everything from firewood and bric-a-brac to second hand toys and fireworks.

Eventually, the store became renowned for its model train sets and accessories, launching online in 1999.

At its peak, the website drew in hundreds of thousands of visitors a month, with customers able to choose from thousand of products.

The iconic retailer's closure comes as a number of others shut stores in nearby Liverpool in a blow for shoppers.

High street chain Sook closed all its branches in December after failing to find sufficient funding.

The retailer ran stores across England, including in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

In a LinkedIn post, founder John Hoyle said he was "devastated" to be ceasing trading.

He added: "In spite of the extraordinary efforts of our team, growing sales and achieving international scale we were unable to raise sufficient investment to continue in the current environment.

"I'm so proud of all that we achieved and incredibly sad that we cannot continue."

Meanwhile, Tesco closed one of its Express branches in Liverpool in November.

In the same month, award-winning restaurant Lu Ban in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle announced it was closing permanently.

A spokesperson for the eatery said the closure "was not a decision we have taken lightly", adding the cost of living crisis had led to a drop off in customer footfall.

But it's not been all bad news for the city, as some retailers are opening stores in 2024.

Weird Fish, a fashion chain sold by Next, is opening 10 new stores across the UK this year, including in Liverpool.

Meanwhile, the Frasers Group, which owns the Sports Direct brand, has acquired Compton House on Liverpool's famous Church Street after M&S vacated the site last August.

Locals have come out to heap praise on the move, with one branding it "amazing news".

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.