05.05.2023 Press release on the opening of the PIKO Flagship Store

On Friday, 05.05.2023, the grand opening of the PIKO Flagship Store took place on the PIKO premises in sunny weather. Before the guests from local politics, including Ms Beate Meißner, Member of the State Parliament for the southern district of Sonneberg, Mr Christian Dressel, Deputy Mayor of the town of Sonneberg, and Mr Jürgen Köpper, Deputy Mayor of the Sonneberg District Council, as well as the PIKO fans who had travelled to the event, were allowed to take a look at the premises, they were of course welcomed by Dr Wilfer. In a short speech, he gave the visitors an overview of the construction work and the intention behind the new shop.

It was a long way to the completed flagship shop. The part of the building that houses the PIKO Flagship Store was not only renovated, but completely rebuilt.  Of course, not everything went completely according to plan along the way. For a few weeks, for example, construction was almost at a standstill because important questions about fire safety had to be clarified. These and other challenges, both major and minor, were overcome. And premises were created that take into account the values and demands of PIKO and reflect them to the outside world.

With the new PIKO Flagship Store, PIKO wants to set standards for the model railway trade. Thus, not only a new shop has been created where PIKO models can be purchased. The PIKO Flagship Store is a showcase shop that represents the PIKO standard for the presentation of model railways, to which specialist dealers and the model railway market itself can orientate themselves.

After the speech and the thanks to all those involved in the construction and realisation of the dream of the PIKO Flagship Store, Dr. René F. Wilfer and the new Flagship Store Manager Mr. Sascha Eberhardt ceremoniously cut the red ribbon in front of the entrance. From this moment on, visitors had the opportunity to take a look at the new premises for the first time. In perfectly illuminated showcases, the beautifully designed PIKO models are lined up and invite visitors to look and linger. On the generously designed sales counter, there are tracks of all four gauges, allowing the models to be tested directly on site. A play layout in the middle of the sales room invites small (or large) model railway enthusiasts to send the PIKO clamp brick carriages on a great journey. On another layout, a BR 216 did its rounds. But not only the purchase of models is possible in the PIKO Flagship Store. On a large TV set, various videos provide information about the PIKO models as well as important events in the company's past. In clearly arranged showcases, visitors can also take a look at the history of the traditional company. In addition to the first Pico Express from 1949, many other well-known PIKO models can be found there - both from the time before and after the reunification of Germany. The fact that PIKO can be justifiably proud of its models is also shown by the awards on display in recent years, such as the Golden Track for the BR 191 in H0 (2022) or for the VT 98 rail bus, also in H0 (2018).

After the first impressions had had their full effect on the guests, there was also a lot of shopping. A special highlight here were some special offers as well as a wagon with special printing as a souvenir of this special day.

All in all, the opening of the PIKO Flagship Store was a complete success and from this day on, the toy town of Sonneberg has another attraction for visitors from near and far.

Sonneberg, 05.05.2023

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