brand Logo

HobbyTown

Information based on 2025 FDD
Save
carousel-image-0
carousel-image-1
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if HobbyTown is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1980
  • Franchising Since 1985
  • 94 US Franchises
  • $280,000 - $620,000 Investment Range
  • $1,459,460 Average Gross Revenue
  • 4.75% Royalty Fee
  • $49,500 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a HobbyTown franchise.

Get pre-qualified for financing
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if HobbyTown is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Description

HobbyTown has established itself as America's premier destination for hobby enthusiasts since 1969, offering an extensive selection of hobby products and supplies across multiple categories. This retail franchise combines the excitement of RC vehicles, model kits, games, and other hobby essentials with exceptional customer service and expert knowledge.

What sets HobbyTown apart is its commitment to creating an immersive, community-focused shopping experience. Each location features knowledgeable staff who are passionate hobbyists themselves, providing valuable guidance and support to customers of all skill levels. Many stores offer interactive experiences including indoor RC racing tracks, build workshops, and special events that bring hobbyists together.

The franchise has successfully adapted to changing market conditions while maintaining its core identity as a brick-and-mortar destination where customers can get hands-on with products and receive personalized assistance. HobbyTown stores typically carry a comprehensive inventory including radio-controlled vehicles, model kits, trains, games, educational toys, and specialized tools and supplies.

For entrepreneurs, HobbyTown represents an opportunity to tap into the growing hobby and specialty retail market while building a business that truly engages with the local community. Franchise owners benefit from established vendor relationships, proven operational systems, and ongoing support from a brand that has spent over 50 years perfecting its retail model.

As the hobby industry continues to evolve, HobbyTown remains at the forefront by combining traditional hobby store values with modern retail practices, creating an engaging shopping environment that appeals to both serious enthusiasts and casual hobbyists alike.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with HobbyTown?

$280,000
$620,000
Did you know that turning your passion for model trains, remote control cars, and hobby crafts into a thriving business through a Hobby Town franchise requires a total investment of $340,000 to $610,000, which covers everything from the $49,500 franchise fee to inventory, store buildout, and working capital needed to serve fellow hobbyists in your community?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$49,500
Investment Range
$280,000 - $620,000
Investment Midpoint
$450,000
Minimum Cash Required
$100,000
Royalty Fees
4.75%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
55 years of proven franchise system stability since 1969
Specialized hobby retail serving passionate enthusiast communities
Diverse product portfolio from LEGO to RC vehicles reduces risk
Strong customer loyalty in niche hobby markets
Lower investment requirements than sub-sector averages
Gross revenue exceeds sub-sector average by 55%
Financial Analysis
HobbyTown's investment range of $340,000-$610,000 positions it as an accessible franchise opportunity, sitting below the sub-sector averages of $453,266-$715,998 for other retail businesses. This lower entry point appeals to investors seeking retail franchise ownership without premium-tier capital requirements. Despite being classified under real estate in franchise databases, HobbyTown operates as a specialized hobby retailer serving enthusiast communities with products including LEGO sets, Gundam model kits, and radio-controlled vehicles.

With 100 units established since 1969, HobbyTown demonstrates 55 years of operational maturity and franchise system stability. This longevity indicates proven business model resilience through various economic cycles. The reported gross revenue of $1,455,633 exceeds sub-sector averages by approximately 55%, representing strong performance metrics within the retail franchise sector.

The hobby retail market serves passionate customer communities with strong brand loyalty and repeat purchase behavior. However, this specialized positioning requires understanding diverse product categories from model kits to remote-controlled equipment. Key considerations include complex inventory management across multiple product lines, seasonal demand fluctuations, and online retail competition. Territory protection becomes crucial given the specialized customer base and market density requirements for sustainable operations.
Expected Investment Range
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!

Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Bar chart display investment range

Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!

Average Gross Sales
See the Revenue Potential!

Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.

Bar chart display gross sales

Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!

Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like HobbyTown. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
FranFund Logo

FranFund

Financing Partner

Learn More
CRF USA Logo

CRF USA

Financing Partner

Learn More
First Bank of the Lake Logo

First Bank of the Lake

Financing Partner

Learn More
Golden Capital Solutions Logo

Golden Capital Solutions

Financing Partner

Learn More
Location Analysis
Hobby Town, established in 1969, operates numerous retail locations across multiple states, primarily focusing on the hobby and collectibles market despite its Real Estate industry classification. The franchise demonstrates particular strength in the Mid-Atlantic region, with notable concentrations in Maryland and Virginia, representing a significant portion of the total network. The brand maintains an impressive average rating based on thousands of customer reviews, indicating strong operational consistency and customer satisfaction across its locations.

The franchise's geographic footprint shows a strategic presence in diverse markets, from major metropolitan areas like Schaumburg, Illinois, to mid-sized communities. The state distribution reveals concentrated presence in key Mid-Atlantic markets, while maintaining a balanced presence across several states in the Northeast and Midwest regions. The franchise has also established a footprint across various other states spanning from the West Coast to the Southeast, with strategic single-unit presence in select markets.

Expansion opportunities exist particularly in the Northeast and Southeast regions, where current presence is limited despite favorable demographics. The franchise's proven success across diverse markets suggests potential for growth, particularly in communities with strong retail corridors and demographics aligned with hobby enthusiasts. Future location strategies should focus on markets with similar characteristics to their successful existing locations while considering local competition and retail density.
Total US Locations100
Open Franchises94
Corporate Locations0
Average Sq. Foot4500
Territory Map

Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.

Man looking at a map

Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!

Franchise Net Unit Growth
Track Growth to Gauge Success!

See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.

Line graph showing franchise net unit growth

Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.

Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind HobbyTown. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding HobbyTown's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving HobbyTown. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review HobbyTown's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about HobbyTown's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2025. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Franchises for you
Personalize Results

Spotlight Brand

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Buddy's Home Furnishings

Retail

Gross Revenue$724,994
Min Investment$375,650
Founded1961
Franchise Units260+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Up In The Air Balloons

Retail

Gross Revenue$164,871
Min Investment$79,941
Founded2025
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

LaundroLab

Retail

Gross Revenue$537,787
Min Investment$1,032,785
Founded2018
Franchise Units23+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Scout & Molly's

Retail

Gross Revenue$1,051,646
Min Investment$319,000
Founded2014
Franchise Units20+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Sea Love

Retail

Gross Revenue$455,911
Min Investment$109,000
Founded2022
Franchise Units16+
Franchisor Image

7-Eleven

Retail

Gross Revenue$2,134,751
Min Investment$139,750
Founded1927
Franchise Units7218+
Franchisor Image

Verlo Mattress

Retail

Gross Revenue$1,608,140
Min Investment$464,685
Founded1989
Franchise Units29+
Franchisor Image

Circle K

Retail

Gross Revenue$2,565,978
Min Investment$3,079,500
Founded1951
Franchise Units41+
Franchisor Image

GNC

Retail

Gross Revenue$537,026
Min Investment$187,219
Founded1935
Franchise Units750+
Franchisor Image

Rent-A-Center

Retail

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$367,110
Founded1980
Franchise Units392+
Franchisor Image

The Vitamin Shoppe

Retail

Gross Revenue$1,507,838
Min Investment$528,900
Founded1977
Franchise Units2+
Franchisor Image

Fleet Feet

Retail

Gross Revenue$1,696,642
Min Investment$228,500
Founded1976
Franchise Units183+