Tariffs force closure of longtime Prince Albert hobby store

For over three decades, J & P Hobby Supplies has been a fixture in Prince Albert’s west flat area, but now owner Jack Turner has made the decision to close.

While meeting with paNOW on Tuesday, he explained it has everything to do with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25-per-cent tariffs and the resulting increase in costs. Mini-railroad accessories and model paints are among the items impacted.

“They’re killing us,” Turner said, referring to the tariffs.

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Going forward owner Jack Turner explained he expects to close sometime by the fall, adding he is basically just going to start selling everything and won’t restock anything unless somebody wants it. (PaNow)

Noting he has Canadian suppliers, the actual product sold at the store comes from either China or from Mexico and through the States and there are no other options.

“Our sales were averaging $600 to $700 a day; now we’re lucky to sometimes sell $100,” Turner explained.

Recalling how when he first started out, he had about $600 in inventory and now he has over $3,000, Turner confirmed the store has been his livelihood and he is feeling helpless. He also expressed his gratitude to his customers and the many who belong to the store’s loyalty program.

“I’ve got customers that when I first started were kids and now they’re bringing their kids here,” he said.

In addition to managing the store, Turner also sets up a display each January at a hobby train show in Prince Albert.

Going forward he explained he expects to close sometime by the fall, adding he is basically just going to start selling everything and won’t restock anything unless somebody wants it.

“We’ll order if somebody wanted an RC boat and we don’t have it in stock.”

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