Assembling model kits gets a boost from pandemic shut-ins

FOX RIVER GROVE, Ill. (AP) - A model kit-maker located outside Chicago that emerged from bankruptcy two years ago when purchased by a German investment firm is seeing a resurgence as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

An executive of Revell USA says a growing number of people stuck at home are putting together everything from 1960s muscle cars to ``Star Wars'ť spaceships.

'œWe saw a spike in the weeks leading to the stay-at-home directives,'ť Revell president Lou Aguilera told the Chicago Tribune. 'ťSince then, our online sales have seen significant growth from people just staying at home, looking for something to do.'ť

Revell's product line includes cars, planes and ships made of plastic and glued together, painted and covered with decals. Aguilera says many aging baby boomers apparently have decided the pandemic is a good time to try their hands at something that takes hours to complete or abandon in a sticky mess.

'œYou've got people that did it maybe 30, 40 years ago and said, `This is something I would like to do, if I ever get the time,'ť' Aguilera said. 'ťWell, now they've got the time.'ť

Revell was founded in California in 1943 and in 1986 merged with chief rival Monogram. Aguilera joined the company in 2011 and has been trying to increase interest in the hobby. Revell's parent company, Hobbico, filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018. Quantum Capital Partners bought the Revell assets - a warehouse filled with model kits - and dissolved its U.S. operations.

Aguilera says he convinced Quantum to try making Revell a success, relaunching the company with 10 full-time employees and several commission-based sales people.

Last year, Revell sold more than 1 million kits to generate about $30 million in revenue, Aguilera said, adding sales were up 90% in March, compared to the same period last year.

Because many retailers have closed, the company is now relying on online sales. Aguilera says Revell is "a little short on inventory,'ť with kits coming from Asia to meet increased demand.

Revell has beefed up marketing campaigns to reach new customers with the hope those who turned to the old-school hobby will stick with it.