Originally Posted by Hydro Junkie

Hobby shops have closed due to three things:

1. internet retailers being able to sell at lower prices
2. brick and mortar stores having higher prices due to having the overhead an internet site doesn't
3. being forced to change from kits and building supplies to ARFs, ARCs and PNPs.

No matter how you look at it, the hobby industry has "evolved " away from "hobby" and into what the latest generation wants, an instant gratification source. When you look at the craftsmanship that used to be seen in an R/C model and compare it to the "cookie cutter" ARF or PNP aircraft you see on the flightline, it kind of shows how the hobby has gone from being required to build it yourself to buying what amounts to off the shelf toys that are bought, usually, on a whim.