Kernow Model Centre named Bachmann Retailer of the year 2006

3844 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by 7113, Oct 8, 2007

Doug

Discussion Starter · Oct 4, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Left to Right: Bachmann Area Representative Tony Lowe, Kevin George, Trevor Kay, Greg Edwards, Chris Trerise and David Haarhaus, Bachmann Sales Manager

Bachmann Europe Plc has announced this week that the Kernow Model Railway Centre in Camborne, Cornwall has been named its 'Retailer of the Year - 2006'. The award was presented to Kernow during their 5th Anniversary celebrations over the weekend of the 22nd / 23rd September. Bachmann also demonstrated their new 'Dynamis' Digital Command Control unit to customers during the event.

The Kernow Model Centre was formed by former British Rail Manager Chris Trerise after he left the rail industry and moved back to the West Country in 2002. The comprehensive shop does not just rely on local and holiday trade but has built up a highly successful mail order business and on-line shop. In addition the company has commissioned a number of limited edition models from Bachmann and other manufacturers, many of them with a West Country interest.

David Haarhaus, sales and marketing manager for Bachmann Europe, said "I have been very impressed with the constant growth that Kernow Model Rail Centre has achieved. In Model Shop terms they are a youngster at just 5 years old, but their positive "can do" attitude has quickly gained a good reputation for high quality service from both Cornish and International customers."

Kernow Model Centre have regularly commissioned exclusive items from Bachmann Europe and this year has seen two of their most popular model releases to date. A London Transport liveried Pannier Tank Engine and Guards Van. Laura Eaton, from the Bachmann Product development office said "we have to work closely with all customers who ask us to produce an item in bespoke livery for them, Kernow Model Rail Centre are always a joy to work with as the livery reference material they supply is so comprehensive and easy to follow"

Kernow Model Rail centre launched a loyalty card scheme at the event, Proprietor Chris Trerise said "It is a great honour to be given this award, it is due to the hard work and dedication of all members of the Kernow team, including Steve Parker and Rob Kay who could not be here today. We simply try to keep a good stock of all the items that our customers want to purchase at competitive prices and then provide quality after sales service. We feel that the large amount of repeat and regular customers that we have is vindication of this policy. Our first five years have flown past; we are all looking forward to what the next 5 years will hold"

Kernow Model Centre is located at 98A Trelowarren Street, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 8AN. Their telephone number is 01209 714099 and the comprehensive website can be found at www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com

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Gary

· #5 · Oct 5, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

I have yet to visit any model shop in the UK seriously into model railways and with a high street presence that does not have material in the front window promoting the brands that it offers. It would be a poor shopkeeper who does not do this. I might be wrong but it is normal for trade customers to pay for this material. Certainly when I was an ice cream salesman Walls used to charge for their promotional stuff. Walls did have a points system whereby sales earnt you points and you could spend points rather than money on promotional material.

And Bachmann would be crazy to request the removal of the Hornby material as the Kernow Model Centre would look a bit naked without it and it might put potential new vistors off from visiting! Bachmann are not stupid and they know that in Joe Publics mind Hornby are the brand that gets the wanabees through the door. Once through the door the hobby shop can then introduce wanabees to the world of Bachmann!

I guess its the same with Marklin in Germany and the major brand in the USA whichever that happens to be (Lionel perhaps?)

Happy modelling
Gary

PS well done to Kernow! They must be one of the most isolated outlets in the UK. A lighthouse in the middle of a large ocean.

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Gary

· #9 · Oct 5, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE What a lovely thought - Gary on his stop me and buy one tricycle!

But seriously Gary is that when they were still based at Barnwood?

We are talking Walls Ice Cream based in Aberystwyth and serving North Wales late 1960's/early 1970's and now closed. Do you remember Sky Rays and 3D's and the brand new Walls Cornish Ice Cream that came in at that time that was extremely popular! Even Funny Faces when introduced were a best seller! My personal favourite was the 77 which was a strawberry and vanilla ice cream lolly with a toffee centre coated with broken biscuits and chocolate. It was introduced to compete with the Lyons Maid Fab and sadly was very short lived as it was not a success. This was all pre Magnum and Cornetto.

Talk of Cornish Ice Cream is appropriate given the subject of this discussion!

Any one for a cream tea?

I bet you that Kernows has a Cornish Clotted Cream Tea House within 50 yards of the shop and that Tony Lowe and David Haarhaus of Bachmann went there on their visit!

Happy modelling
Gary

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