Lionel Retail Store a destination spot at Concord Mills

Amid the clothing shops, restaurants and specialty retailers at the sprawling Concord Mills shopping development in Concord, NC, there a gem of a find that will not only take your back to a simpler time and your childhood, but also gives a glimpse at what the future of hobby and toy shops may be as we move into the future.

Lionel, the producer of iconic model trains and die-cast race cars, is opening a flagship retail location at Concord Mills – the destination shopping center in Cabarrus County, N.C.

The 118-year-old American toy company, which is based in Concord, N.C., will use its new Concord Mills space to entertain, educate, and excite customers by creating a shopping experience that is truly exciting and unique.

“Expanded shopping is just part of what we’re hoping to bring to our local community,” said Lionel President Howard Hitchcock.

This retail store at the 1.4-million-square-foot shopping mall located in Cabarrus County is quickly becoming a popular attraction to go along with the rest of the fun that can be found in the county.

The store may focus on the beautiful trains and model train layout, but the over 5,000-square-foot retail space also houses an interactive 8-foot-by-24-foot Lionel train display that was designed especially for the new store, play tables and displays for young conductors, and a racing-themed section packed with the company’s die-cast cars.

“We’re also planning to hold workshops for train hobbyists of all skill levels, host driver signings and special events for race fans, and partner with our friends at Simon Properties at Concord Mills more spectacular than ever,” Hitchcock said.

On a recent evening, shoppers were flooding in the store. Families, millennials and what I would think would be the target demographic, those over the age of 35.

Per Hitchcock, “Our goal is to start in Concord Mills and build a template that could work in other shopping locations across the United States.”

The Lionel Store at Concord Mills is located near the Dining Pavilion and will open for business each day until 9pm and 7pm on Sundays.