Spookytooth Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 After trading for 60 years the Fratton Model Centre is sadly closing at the end of the month. Fratton Model Centre is set to close after trading on the high street for over 60 years. The model shop in Fratton Road, previously known as Fratton Bargain Shop, has been open since 1957. Brian and Ann Salt are planning to retire, while intermittently attending trade shows across the country. Searches to find new owners failed to materialise. Mr Salt, who bought the shop from his father in 1995, and owned it since, said even though it was time to go despite his emotional attachment to the shop. He said: ‘I’m upset that the shop is closing, and regular customers are not going to have their source of supply for modelling materials. ‘It is a bit upsetting, and we open seven days a week so people can have what they want when they want it, What makes this a bit ironic is that they bought the Waterlooville Model Centre`s stock when it closed back last September. This means that now we have one so so model shop in Portsmouth left soon. Simon. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 That’s sad news. I remember Fratton Bargin Shop well, it was a 15 min walk from my Grans. Haven’t been back to Pompey for a number of years. Where the one that’s left? Was aware of one in Drayton, think it was called the magic toy box, no idea if it is still there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan B Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 I remember regularly visiting the shop whenever I was down in Pompey staying with my Dad's family. When I was a bit older I was even allowed to head down there from Cosham on my own on the bus which was a great adventure for this Scots country lad when he was 12. Duncan B 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spookytooth Posted March 5, 2022 Author Share Posted March 5, 2022 On 03/03/2022 at 18:56, Jb65rams said: That’s sad news. I remember Fratton Bargin Shop well, it was a 15 min walk from my Grans. Haven’t been back to Pompey for a number of years. Where the one that’s left? Was aware of one in Drayton, think it was called the magic toy box, no idea if it is still there. It`s called "The Model Shop" just North of New Road Junction, not sure whether Magic Toy Box is still there though. Simon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airgunner Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 This is annoying, always pop in there if I’m seconded to Pompey nick for a shift. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gengriz Posted March 6, 2022 Share Posted March 6, 2022 Sad to hear this. At one time, Portsmouth was a true Mecca of modelling shops, but suddenly it's looking a bit like a desert. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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