Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 | 2:25 p.m.
As Water Street continues to sit among empty storefronts and closing businesses, Ed Iulo is optimistic that he has something Henderson residents need. I think I agree with him.
Iulo opened Henderson Hobbies at 117 Water Street, between Pacific and Army streets about two weeks ago.
“This is the only hobby store between Las Vegas and Kingman, Arizona,” said Iulo. “We’ve got something for everybody.”
The store is filled with plastic models and kits for cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, and military vehicles. If you’re a model railroad enthusiast, Henderson Hobbies has an entire section of the store devoted to railroad sets and accessories. There are also magazines and books, paints, glues and all the tools you need for constructing models.
Radio Control cars are popular right now, and the store has some of those in addition to boats, helicopters, and planes. If you break your car and can’t seem to figure out how to fix it, Iulo offers repair services.
I was elated to see puzzles and toys by the brand “Melissa & Doug,” which consist of a variety of educational items for young kids. Wooden cars, trucks, and puzzles, as well as play food and plush puppets are just a few of the items you’ll find in the children’s aisle. Study and practice books for math, handwriting, and reading are also in the store.
“Kids need to do something besides play video games and sit on the computer,” said Iulo. “It’s great when you see a kid come in with his dad, and they’re both interested in building a model.”
Iulo, who has been a hobby enthusiast since age 13, purchased the inventory from Hobbytown when it went out of business. Hobbytown used to be located at Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway, so many of the items in Henderson Hobbies are from Hobbytown, plus a few others.
And while business isn’t booming on Water Street, word-of-mouth might be the best advertising available. I sent an e-mail to a few friends after I visited the store to let them know about it and was delighted at the responses I received.
“I was so excited to get this e-mail,” said Tara Hendrickson, “I’ve been wanting to go into that store.”
“I hope to go in and check it out sometime soon,” said Rochelle Benson. “’Melissa & Doug’ stuff is great.”
Personally, I’m excited to have a hobby store open in Henderson again. Years ago, there was a hobby and toy shop on the corner of Water Street and Victory Road, and I can still hear my little brother’s husky voice asking: “Dad? Can we go to the hobby store? Please, Dad?”
Henderson Hobbies is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or you can call him at 834-4094.
“If business picks up, the hours could change,” said Iulo, optimistically.
Go in and check it out!
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