Retail Store
Thank you to the many model train enthusiasts who have visited our MB Klein walk-in store over the years. We are proud of our model train history and grateful to the many customers who helped to make the hobby store experience so special for the past 50+ years. This page addresses the most frequently asked questions about MB Klein’s closing of our retail store in Cockeysville, MD, to transition to the next, all-digital chapter of our business.
1. What is the news?
To keep up with the times and devote ourselves to offering the best ecommerce experience for our customers, MB Klein, Inc., has closed our walk-in retail store in Cockeysville, Maryland, as of Wednesday, October 30, 2019. The company will keep its warehouse in Cockeysville and continue to serve model train enthusiasts around the world through its website, ModelTrainStuff.com.
2. Why is this happening now?
The change is a natural next step in a long history of serving customers the way they want to be served. In the 1970s, Ted Klein converted his father’s hardware and locksmith store to a model train hobby shop when more customers were coming to the store for model trains than hammers. Since introducing online sales, MB Klein has served a large and growing customer base of model train enthusiasts of all ages from around the world. Today, online customers far outnumber our company’s walk-in retail customers and we are once again following our customers’ lead. We are converting the walk-in retail store to warehouse space so we can better serve the vast majority of our customers, who make purchases online through the ModelTrainStuff.com website.
3. What does this news mean for me?
For most of our customers, nothing changes. Online customers will continue to purchase their products through our website. We invite all customers to make their purchases at ModelTrainStuff.com, which has always been backed by our trusted model train staff and products.
4. What is happening to the walk-in retail store?
We are in the process of converting the retail store into warehouse space. We expect to complete this conversion sometime in the spring of 2020.
5. How can I use my MB Klein gift card?
We are making provisions for customers to redeem walk-in store gift cards as web gift cards. If you are unable to use your gift card in the store prior to October 30, please contact customercare@ModelTrainStuff.com with your name, gift card number, and expected balance.
6. Will MB Klein still offer model train repair services?
We have not finalized arrangements for on-going repairs at this time. Please contact customercare@ModelTrainStuff.com for updates after October 30, 2019.
7. Will there still be a "local pickup" option for online orders?
We would like to thank all of our long-time local customers for their continued interest. We will continue to offer a local pick up option for web orders. Please allow at least 4 business hours between order placement and pickup. (Dates for 2019; future schedule TBA)
Schedule -- Store Closure and Transition Period:
Wed Oct 30: Last day of walk-in retail (traditional shopping)
Thu Oct 31: Closed for transition
Fri Nov 1: Closed for transition
Sat Nov 2: Closed for transition
Mon Nov 4: Closed (new hours will not include Monday)
NEW Schedule for Local Pickup effective Tuesday, November 5, 2019 through Year End
Please allow at least 4 business hours after placing the order before coming for pickup
Tue-Sat 10 am to 3 pm: entrance through former retail store door
Sun-Mon Closed: no local pickup
Returns after Store Closure
● Items purchased in-store may be returned with receipt within 30 days of purchase (ends
Nov 30). Cash purchases over $50 will be refunded by company check
● Web orders may only be returned AFTER a return authorization (RMA) has been issued
by our Customer Service department. (Request via phone or email prior to return)
● Retail Store Gift Cards (plastic cards) may be redeemed for Web Store Gift Certificates
Special Dates and Holidays
Thu Nov 28: Closed for Thanksgiving
Sat Dec 21: Last Saturday before Christmas
Mon Dec 23: Special Monday to allow for Christmas/Holiday pickups, open 10-3
Tue Dec 24: Christmas Eve; limited hours 10 am - 2 pm
Wed Dec 25: Closed for Christmas
Tue Dec 31: Closed for New Year’s Eve
8. How do I get a proof of purchase?
Customers who need proof of purchase can email Customer Support at customercare@ModelTrainStuff.com with their name, date purchased, and item.
9. How do I reach Customer Support?
Our Customer Support team is ready to assist. Please contact Customer Support by calling (410) 229-9995 or emailing us at customercare@ModelTrainStuff.com.
10. Is MB Klein on social media?
Yes! We have an active and engaged social media community. We invite you to follow us on:
Facebook: facebook.com/MBKModelTrainStuff
YouTube: youtube.com/MBKModelTrainStuff
Instagram: instagram.com/modeltrainstuff
Local Pickup Address:
M.B. Klein, Inc. 243A Cockeysville Rd. Cockeysville, MD 21030 USA
Local Pickup Map: