Owners of the the city’s longest-standing model shop say it is attracting interested buyers after it was put up for sale – but a final deal could still be months away.
One of the city’s most iconic shops, Gee Dee Hobbies and Models, Heathcoat Street, opened its doors in 1946, and is the only surviving business of its kind in Nottingham.
For generations the family-run store in Hockley has been a destination for model building enthusiasts, specialising in aircrafts, planes, ships and railway kits.
But after seven decades of service, owner Peter Grain announced in May that the business was going on the market.
Although a buyer has not yet been secured manager Malcolm Chiswick is confident that the right person to take on the business will be found.
“We’ve had a steady stream of inquiries, we’ve had quite a few interested parties,” he told Notts TV.
He added: “There has been some viable interest, these things don’t happen overnight and it’s going to take probably three or four months before we get to a final decision.”
Regular customers have been encouraged to spread the word to find a buyer who would be prepared to carry on the shop’s legacy for many more years.
Malcolm added: “We have a very strong customer base and would like the business to keep going pretty much as it is for their sake.”
He also explained that finding the right character to fill Peter’s shoes is a top priority.
“We ideally want someone who has an invested interest in models, it’s not simply about facts and figures you need to have a fair amount of knowledge, as our customers are highly informed and often have various technical questions.
“A very big part of what we do is selling to students on the various university courses and we get recommended for their projects by word of mouth and their tutors.”
Malcolm says that if a buyer is not found it would be a great personal loss for himself.
“If we did have to close that would be the wrong outcome for the amount of hours I have put into this business, collectively me and the owner have put 120 years in.
“But we are very hopeful that the right organisation or person will come along who will see the potential and take it forward.
“Trade is currently buoyant and we have a decent turn around of stock.”
