The Story of Jix Hobbies: Past, Present, and Beyond

Greetings, fellow hobby enthusiasts!

Let's embark on a journey through time and witness the evolution of Jix Hobbies, a haven for enthusiasts since its inception in August 1950 in Pretoria Central.

The Early Years

Jix Hobbies began its journey in Pretoria Central in 1950 under the guidance of Dr. Welgemoed, Mr. Sturdy, and an anonymous third party. Initially focused on trading radio-controlled aircraft and records, Jix witnessed significant growth. In 1952, ex-SAAF member Monty Malherbe joined, making a lasting impact on the radio-controlled flying community and gaining recognition from the Federation of Aeronautics International (FAI). Subsequent years saw Nord Gerneke and Terry Brown expanding Jix's offerings to include R/C cars, plastic kits, slot cars, model railways, and essential tools and paints.

Tragically, Monty's passing in 1978 led Nord and Terry to take charge, steering Jix to new heights. The inventory expanded to include renowned brands like Tamiya, Airfix, Italeri, Humbrol, Scalextric, Hornby, Revell, and Hasegawa, solidifying Jix's reputation as a premier destination for hobbyists.

The Ongoing Legacy

Fast forward to today, Jix Hobbies continues to thrive under the ownership of Julian Bishop. Located in Menlyn Retail Park since the late '90s, the store has undergone a renaissance under Julian's guidance. The product range has expanded even further, encompassing a diverse array of hobbies for enthusiasts of all ages.

Family-Oriented and Diverse

Jix Hobbies is not just about "toys" for men; it's a haven for the whole family.

Julian has introduced a family-oriented board game section, featuring classics like Catan, Dixit, and Ticket to Ride. The puzzle section boasts renowned brands like Educa, Castorland, Clementoni, Heye, Wasgij, and more.

The radio-controlled section has evolved to include Scale Crawlers, such as Traxxas TRX-4, Element RC, and SSD, along with a plethora of scale accessories.

Embracing New Horizons

Under Julian's leadership, Jix Hobbies now imports and sells acclaimed brands like Ammo by Mig Jimenez, Takom, G.W.H, Kinetic, Warlord Games, and Gamers Grass.

Ammo by Mig Jimenez has become a go-to brand in the scale modelling industry, offering smooth-flowing paints and washes.

Warlord Games, a stalwart in detailed miniatures, enriches Jix's offerings with the Bolt Action range, allowing enthusiasts to command battles from the Second World War.

A Glimpse into the Future

Julian's vision for Jix extends beyond the present.

With a complete store revamp in 2018, the introduction of new ranges and brands in 2019, and 2020 held even more surprises with the launch of the online store and the relocation to a bigger shop.

Future plans of expanding even more and the continuous introduction of new products are integral elements of this overarching vision.

The online store, the pulsating core of Jix's digital presence, is poised for further enhancement and expansion.

As Jix Hobbies continues to unfold its story, one thing remains certain—its dedication to nurturing the joy of hobbies and creating a welcoming space for enthusiasts to explore, create, and connect.

Keep on hobbying!
The Jix Hobbies Team

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