MENARDS is coming to my backyard. Photos from inside the new MENARDS. 🚂

Lucky you. I'd probably buy more if I was that close. ( actually It probably get me in trouble lol ) 

How fortuitous! I'm jealous 

Sounds dangerous. 

I dunno, but as it's a new store, I'd guess there's probably a fair chance you won't be able to check out any model train stuff until they start bringing in their first batches of Christmas stuff for the season (maybe in October? or November?).    

I have 2  new stores nearby and the ship to store works all too easily

VistaDomeScott posted:

I have 2  new stores nearby and the ship to store works all too easily

Yeah, but do they have any O-gauge stuff in stock right now you can look at?

I wish we had one. I would just enjoy looking at their train items.

The countdown is on: For the Opening of the New MENARDS

Here is an example of a MENARDS model train structure on my layout. Red Owl stores used to be in northern Michigan. Gary 🚂

Gary

Don't get your hopes up too high for finding trains on the shelves year round. Both times I've wanted something train related, I've had to order online and get it sent to the store. I'm not really into most of Menard's train stuff, because it isn't scale, and I don't have room for a lot of structures.

On the other hand, I do need to stop there this afternoon for some hardware for the layout. I would say that about 80% of my layout materials came from Menards, and about 20% of my house too.

I was into Menards way before they were into trains! I actually have two stores within a five mile radius. I was born on Menards turf.

Gary,

Why don't you drop in every so often when its convenient and just see what they have, if they have anything. If they do, post a report on what you saw. I, for one, would be curious. I do not have Menard's in my area, so, I have never set foot in one in my life, but I am still curious about it. Thanks in advance.

tncentrr posted:

Gary,

Why don't you drop in every so often when its convenient and just see what they have, if they have anything. If they do, post a report on what you saw. I, for one, would be curious. I do not have Menard's in my area, so, I have never set foot in one in my life, but I am still curious about it. Thanks in advance.

Hi tncentrr: I will be going to MENARDS tomorrow. I will take some photos with my iPhone & post them on this thread. 

Gary

Going to the new MENARDS tomorrow, here is a map and location. The new MENARDS is located within a thousand feet of Home Depot and Lowes.  I see a little advantage to the new MENARDS location, there is a brand new traffic light in front of MENARDS for easy in and out on S. Telegraph Road. (US 24)

Gary

trainroomgary posted:

Going to the new MENARDS tomorrow, here is a map and location. The new MENARDS is located within a thousand feet of Home Depot and Lowes.  I see a little advantage to the new MENARDS location, there is a brand new traffic light in front of MENARDS for easy in and out on S. Telegraph Road. (US 24)

Gary

Well, somebody wants to pick a fight, opening right on top of the competition. One of the things I love about Menards is they have very consistent store layouts. They have two basic designs, a single level which is quite sprawling, and a more compact design with an upper level and a smaller footprint.

Getting to the upper level is kind of cool, because right in the middle of the store they have an inclined moving walkway, which you take your shopping cart onto, and somehow it grabs the wheels and locks them onto the walkway and holds the cart firmly in place. Then they release as you get to the top or bottom.

The two stores near me are both single level. I was in the Hudson, WI store last week, and the Oak Park Heights, MN store today. Both times I needed hardware, and just walked right to the correct aisle, nearly forgetting which store I was in.

Gary, looks like you have a double level store. I could see the lighting department in the upper window. Grab a cart and go upstairs!

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

 

Getting to the upper level is kind of cool, because right in the middle of the store they have an inclined moving walkway, which you take your shopping cart onto, and somehow it grabs the wheels and locks them onto the walkway and holds the cart firmly in place. Then they release as you get to the top or bottom.

The carts have a friction brake on the rear wheels that engages the grooves on the walkway belt.  They also occasionally get caught on the grout grooves on the main floor.

Rusty

Interesting Rusty. I've only been in the two level stores a few times, so I haven't experienced that one yet.

I have been in both model stores. Before they built the store two miles from me I was making a 30 mile trip to the closest one near me. And I will say once I went the first time it was well worth the trip. Especially their wood selection. I did not have to go through the pile to get good pieces that were straight. Then I discovered their trains and was having them shipped to the store. I actually never bought train stuff in the store. I always ordered on line. Now the store in Cuyahoga falls has two levels but it still is a pretty good size footprint. When it is not Christmas the trains can be found on the second floor mezanine with the seasonal stuff. But they don't stock a lot of trains............Paul 2

I hadn't seen a ramp /escalator yet. I've been in quite a few when I was working, and 3 recent and local.  2cnd floor is more like a catwalk set up every time I needed it; steps to go up. I think there was an elevator at one (freight/pass. combo type)... it might get overlooked as for employees only, but Menard's seems to invite you everywhere but behind a register... old school refreshing.

    It's "upstairs seasonal storage" you are welcome to browse. Holidays it's mostly downstairs. When stores are new, both floors had a bit (newest buildings only on 1st floor, some rolling stock and older items upstairs)  Holidays the broken/scuff stuff goes upstairs. ( I once assembled a few good for myself and fixed some for you guys to find too from the many store abused junkers up there)

  Not changing the store layout every time a new suit with something to prove lands a job is refreshing.  Consistently Menards  had the best floor help around as far as friendly and eager goes; every store I was in (more than a doz.)

HD was doing well there too for a while, but they seriously dropped the ball again many years ago and I've seen little change since. One more reason I'm happy their toes are being squished like they squished the lumber yards and frirndly little private hardware stores that a trip to Menard's reminds me of... Trains; just another bonus

Here's me stopping at what was probably your former closest store in Wixom. This was taken in Aug. 2017. I found my way to the upstairs and the secret train hideout. This store was built on the former Lincoln/Thunderbird assembly plant. Since I live in Tucson Az. it wasn't very convenient for me.  LOL

In the early 1970's I worked on the north side of Pontiac and drove past this new store location everyday. I see the motorcycle shop up the street is now, Motor City Power Sports. Back then it was Anderson Honda, the largest Honda Motorcycle dealer in the U.S..