Hobbytown USA Franchise
HobbyTown’s 150 franchise locations make it easy to find the hobbies and specialty toys people want so their families can have fun with them.
$75,000
$20,000
94
1985
Lincoln,NE
Thom Walla
About Hobbytown USA
HobbyTown is a growing organization with more than 150 locations focusing on hobbies and specialty toys. They are dedicated to helping hobby retailers grow. HobbyTown staff shares their passion for hobbies with enthusiasm. Customers are always provided with an enjoyable shopping experience full of fun and wonderment.
HobbyTown believes that growth is attained through exceeding each customer’s expectations and practices it consistently at all levels every day. Additionally, the achievement of growth is accomplished through the continuous improvement of both people and process.
The environment created by HobbyTown exemplifies leadership, customer service and performance. Staff is trained to serve patrons with a smile, a good ear to listen to customer requests and to satisfy the customer by solving their concerns.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
94
2
$1,459,460
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$20,000
4.75%
Gross Sales
2.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Hobbytown USA?
HobbyTown is a leader in the hobby and specialty toy industry making it a business that people seek out for fun and entertainment regardless of a person’s age. This mass appeal leads franchise owners to enjoy their work as they get to see customers smile and be happy.
HobbyTown owners provide unparalleled customer service, exceeding industry inventory turns and revenue per square foot in retail. HobbyTown continuously tests marketing methods, messaging and conversion optimization through technology and products enabling owners to reap the rewards of such an innovative and progressive franchise.
Franchise owners are empowered through a variety of business intelligence tools, reporting, sales and tracking to make their own decisions on inventory items, products and purchasing strategies.
HobbyTown offers a comprehensive five-week training that includes both in-store and on-site training. A Franchise Business Advisor is assigned to work with you through training and store opening. The FBA will continue with you well after that to help grow the business and assist with any issues that may arise.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$161,000 - $330,000
$150,000
$75,000
Training & Support
Training consists of a 5-week program which includes on-site and in-store training, in Lincoln Nebraska and more.
History
In 1980, HobbyTown was founded in Lincoln, Nebraska by Merlin Hayes, Mary Hayes and Thom Walla. In 1985, the demand by people asking for the store in other areas grew which led to its franchising in 1986. The franchise has been growing since then reaching more than 150 locations leading HobbyTown to become the leader in the specialty toy and retail hobby industry.
In 1998, as HobbyTown grew, Mr. Hayes and Mr. Walla Sold 45% of HobbyTown to eight key employees increasing their management team and company headquarters. By 2011, HobbyTown conducted major toy releases and expanded its franchising options to co-branding existing hobby stores. In 2012, the first co-branded stores opened in Aurora & Lakewood, CO.
HobbyTown continues to focus on being on the leading edge of hobbies and specialty toys every year and with every new location.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for a HobbyTown franchise is a person who loves to have fun while working hard. Every day an owner gets to help a person find enjoyment in their life and should enjoy it themselves. A passion for assisting customers, a desire to make people happy and a sense of pride in doing it under the HobbyTown brand is essential to success.
The right candidate should have excellent people skills, know how to listen and know how to explain directions to new hobbyists. They should be a leader who is willing to train, mentor and most of all, be a team player.
Candidates with business backgrounds, who understand technology, and who can analyze reports will have an advantage. Financial experience is a plus but not essential to acquiring a HobbyTown franchise. Most of all, the candidate should be a person who strives to foster growth in all individuals, whether a child is getting a first model or an elderly person who still loves to do things the “old-fashioned” way.
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