Editor’s note: In its May 15, 2024, edition, the Sun Times News included a special “Discover Tecumseh” section. It contains articles describing many of the businesses and community life in this charming town. We’re running the articles online and encourage you to add a trip to Tecumseh to your list of fun things to do this summer.

J-Bar Hobbies is touted as the biggest hobby shop in the Midwest. Their store boasts an impressive collection of over 10,000 imported and domestic kits, catering to a wide range of hobby interests.

Owner Dan Bindus’ parents established the store in 1982 in a nearby town. The store quickly outgrew its initial space, prompting moves to a larger place in Tecumseh, with its current 6,200 square foot location designed to mirror the old-time hobby shops of Detroit.

A thriving hobby shop in a small town may seem like an oddity to some. Still, Dan describes the secret to its success, “My father loved the hobby business, and he enjoyed talking with all of our customers, from the child just starting his or her first kit to the seasoned hobbyist, and it was this passion that grew the business to what it is today.”

After his father passed away in 2014, Dan, alongside his mother, continued to nurture the business with the same commitment. In 2016, Dan left his job to focus on J-Bar Hobbies full-time, bringing fresh changes while preserving the core values of customer service that were pivotal during his parents’ tenure. “I’ve brought many changes to the store, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the friendly customer service my mother and father provided for 38 years,” he says.

The shop remains a destination for hobby enthusiasts, often drawing customers willing to travel extensive distances. As online retailing emerged, Dan adapted, initially managing the store’s mail order and website. His innovative approach ensures that J-Bar Hobbies remains a beloved fixture in the community, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing shopping experience.

Discover more at https://jbarhobbies.com/