Established
1980
Franchise Units
95
Minimum Investment
$150,000
Franchise Fee
$49,500
Total Investment Range
$620,000
Home Based
No
Description
HobbyTown has been a trusted name in specialty retail for over 40 years, offering a wide range of hobby products including RC vehicles, model kits, games, puzzles, educational toys, and more. With over 90 locations across the U.S., HobbyTown continues to evolve with modern merchandising, omni-channel shopping options, and cutting-edge store management technology—keeping pace with today’s retail landscape.
As a HobbyTown franchisee, you benefit from a time-tested business model, national brand recognition, and strong corporate support. New stores are achieving record startup performance, proving that there’s never been a better time to join this thriving, community-focused retail franchise. Whether you’re a lifelong hobbyist or an entrepreneur looking for a smart investment, HobbyTown offers a fun, rewarding opportunity.
Background
Yeah Business Started: 1980
First Unit Franchised: 1986
Franchised Units Awarded: 95
Franchise Units Open: 94
Company Owned Units: 0
Number of Franchisees: 71
Territory Description and Minimum Requirements: 200K population in a 10 Mile Radius
Territory Protection: Yes
Master/Area Development Opportunities: Yes
Support Training
Initial Training
1 week in a preferred training store and 1 week at the home office in Lincoln, NE
Preferred Training Locations
- Shadowing Franchise Owner on day-to-day operations
Home Office Training
- Presentations
- Reviewing every aspect of the business
- Staffing
- Marketing
- Ordering Products
On-Going Support
- HobbyTown corporate office will send a team for on-site store setup in preparation for a new location soft opening and grand opening.
- Corporate team comes out to location for a site visit to ensure owner and staff are prepared for opening
- HobbyTown’s corporate support team will have weekly meetings with franchisees to assist with ongoing questions and concerns.
- 90 days (about 3 months) after opening a new location, HobbyTown will come visit to assess and assist with productivity and operations.
Ideal Candidate
IDEAL CANDIDATE
HobbyTown is looking for a coachable, organized and ambitious entrepreneur that enjoys people and contributing to a positive team-oriented culture. Hobby interests are a plus, but not required.
Function & Daily Tasks of the Owner-Operator:
Oversee the key aspects of the business:
- People Management
- Quality of Environment
- Inventory Management
- Marketing
Function & Daily Tasks of the Semi-Absentee Owner:
A General Manager would be responsible for overseeing the environment and people management. Semi absentee owners will:
- Manage the KPI’s for the key aspects of the business
- Focus on Inventory management
- Marketing
Financial Detail
Required Liquid Capital: $150,000
Total Investment: $350,000 - $620,000
Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
Franchise Fee: $49,500
Royalty: 4.75%
Ad: 2%
Item 19: Yes
Average Number of Employees: 4-5
Visa Candidates: No
Passive Ownership: Yes
Home-Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No