Kitstop Models and Hobbies in Birkenhead feels like a throwback to a bygone era, and that's exactly how its owners intend to keep it. Martin Richardson took over the running of the Oxton Road shop from his mum and dad in 2015, alongside his wife, Antonella De Riso. Model shops are an unusual sight on today's high streets, but the quiet success of the business demonstrates there is a booming market for traditional hobbies.
The shop is a modeller's paradise, selling everything from model airplanes, cars and ships, to specialist paint and brushes. Martin, a former mechanic who once worked for Pirelli, also carries out repairs, fixing radio-controlled cars, model tanks and anything else his customers bring in - even garden ornaments. The interior of the shop has hardly changed since the 1970s when Martin's parents bought the business.
"It's had small alterations," says Martin, "but it's retained its original charm". Martin's dad died a few years back, but his mum Jennifer still pops in every Saturday to check up on the place. Martin, 55, and Antonella, 47, have an unusual business policy for this day and age.
Although they have a Facebook page, they are not interested in selling their wares online. Speaking to the ECHO , Antonella said: "We want people coming in through the door to keep the high street alive. You're just going to lose it otherwise.
" While we are inside the shop, a steady trickle of customers head through the door. Bob Clayton told us he comes in almost every day .
