Troy Hobby Store Celebrates 40 Years
A&R Paints and Crafts marked their 40th anniversary February 1, 2020.
In 1980, Ron and Carol Klaustermeier purchased the store located in the 1800s building owned by the Oddfellows Lodge at 201 S. Main St in Troy.
Originally opened as a gift shop in 1952, the store had expanded to gifts, crafts, paint and wall paper when the Klaustermeiers purchased it. Times changed, and the paint and wall paper were replaced by boy scout supplies and Melissa & Doug educational toys, which have gained in popularity with expanded offerings in recent years.
Over the last 40 years, the Klaustermeiers have seen a lot of changes in downtown Troy with fewer businesses and stores. Inventory wise, model trains have seen peaks and valleys in popularity, but plastic models have had consistent sales over the long haul. He hopes that trains will make a comeback, as they are the perfect hobby for those interested in STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
And although the business changes, it also stays the same according to Ron Klaustermeier. Parents that use to come in with their parents are now bringing their children in, occasionally asking if a toy or model from their childhood is still available.
For this reason the Klaustermeiers believe the best part of the business is the people. Since their business is a niche business, A&R Paints and Crafts draws customers from all over the St. Louis area, Southern Illinois and as far away as Atlanta, GA. The Klaustermeiers estimate that about 60-70% of their business comes from outside of the Troy area.
Klaustermeier says he has had a lifelong interest in plastic models and model railroads, as well as a strong interest in Boy
Scouts. He says with so much bad in the world there needs to be something good and the Boy Scouts fill that need.
A&R also serves as a place to purchase clothing and make monetary donations for the animal rescue group Partners for Pets in St. Jacob.
On February 21 and 22 A&R will be having their anniversary celebration during regular business hours with refreshments and door prizes.
