Where you go does matter
I'm sure this is common knowledge and everyone is aware of this on this particular site. But it remains a bit surprising to me that there is so much variation of selection between stores of the same name, but in different locations. I know that my closest big box store has a real limited and crappy selection of cars. So this morning I needed five identical cars so I could finish up a lubrication test and get some more results. So I went to different location several miles from where I live and found that they had an amazing selection of cars spread out all through the toy area. They had an extensive collection on the racks and probably seven or eight small separate displays and the usual bins full of cars as well.
I quickly found my five identical cars, and then just randomly found Skylines, Porsche's, Cougars, and a number of other cars that I just do not see locally. Went in the store planning to spend six or seven bucks ended up spending about 20 and could've easily dropped twice that much.
Discussion
I used to think that everywhere had bad selection, at least here is St. Petersburg, Fl. (Hello, Stoopid Fish Racing!) But a few weeks ago I went out of town and discovered the problem is "BIG CITIES." That is the issue with St. Petersburg at least. Fortunately for me, I manily collect old cars.
That is a nice bunch of cars though Abby, I especially like the Fast and Furious Alfa Romeo Guilia.
- Well, I probably mentioned this somewhere, but I am under contract. Obligation to purchase any nice looking orange race car. It’s just one of them silly rules. — AbbyNormal
Different wheels too. A few times a year this area is swamped with new cars. More cars than I have spending money. Plenty of doubles. Good luck with the test. I have my own lubrication technique I wanted to beat blue line with.
Just to be clear these two big box stores of the same brand name do serve two different urban communities, but they are probably only about five or 6 miles apart. The store that is near us, less than a mile away, has never had a decent selection of cars. As I've mentioned in a previous post, even the grocery store down the street the Safeway has better cars. As I learned many times through my career, local management has a big impact on what is going on locally. And even in my brief visit to the store farther away, I can tell the vibe is a little better there. And in fact while I was there today, I met a fellow enthusiast collector, who was again like many are blown away that we are out here racing.
And against my better judgment, I'm gonna visit that store again tomorrow just to check on a few things. If you know what I mean.
- I have a business card, and on the back i've got redline, gtr, JJ, and a couple others, and tell them to look them up — dr_dodge
- Oh yes, I usually keep some cards on me although this time I was out. But I just love as you’re standing there describing this online racing and what we’re doing and these guys are just like what????? — AbbyNormal
Those Audi are one of my favourite castings. Nice score
- Yes, the Audi is a good solid performer. I think it’s taking me to a semi finals at least once. Most importantly it’s good at road racing as it is with drag racing. You need to be doing both as you compare performance changes based on lubrication, etc.. — AbbyNormal
I find my best cars from the local Safeway. They don't restock with any regularity though. They just randomly show up. The next best place I have found them at is at a Dollar Tree near work. They stock them "every Wednesday", yet I have been in on Wednesdays and sometimes that isn't true. The cars vary so much from store to store. Our local Dollar Tree sucks. They typically have one small section by the register for the Hot Wheels and a few pegs in the aisle for Matchbox.
I do like those Audis. I have a couple of them.
- Out Oregon Way our dollar trees, no longer sell hot wheels with the exception of the track pieces. At least that’s true locally in the Portland Vancouver area. But the Dollar General is still a great place to go to find some cars. — AbbyNormal
Nice... I am never that lucky being the scalpers and scumbags get there and either buy them all or rip open packs and steal them out. So many taped up multipacks and truck units with the cars gone on the shelf at a "reduced" price here in FLA. The pegs are mostly empty and no dump bins. Even the Target in the next town over is the same way.