What do retailers do when they have stock bought when the Canadian dollar was low and now their shelf price is too high?
I found a general hobby store in Quebec City last week that had a fair amount of model railway”stuff”. I was looking at their display of locomotives when I spotted an EMD switcher in CP’s tuscan and grey scheme. I got the itch to buy so I asked a sales person about it. “It’s a Proto with sound.”, he said. I nearly flipped! I’ve been looking for one for a while. “How much?”, I asked. “Only $399” was his response.
ONLY $399!!!! Holy crap! Brian bought a Proto switcher with sound not long ago for about $170. I paid less than $300 at the Truro show in 2006 for two Proto RS18’s with sound. $399 for one loco!!
So, I told him as much. Fortunately the language barrier helped tone down his response – I have no idea what he said.
I did notice that most things in their store seemed to be priced higher than I’ve seen other places. Perhaps they just have a high markup?
So, the hunt for a sound equipped switcher in CP colours continues. But, since I don’t really need another engine, I’m in no rush – the price will have to be right.
Scott