I fear the days of the 'traditional' model railway shop are almost over. Most of the new model shops I have come across sell 99.9% new kit and the independent shops are predominantly owned / run but men in at least the late Summer or Autumn of their life.
Many shop owners don't like the 'pick it up, look at it, put it down again' browsing shopper. Yes incorrect handling can damage stock, that's why I am pleased Hornby have introduced the 'Railroad' range of more robust models, but they should be able to judge the type of customer they have.
Children, understandably, treat even a £600+ model as a toy but responsible parents can still take them into these shops. Years ago these shops used to have active displays of the models to keep children amused while Mum & Dad have a look ... something sadly missing these days.
One exception I found was Toys 2 Go near Blackpool. they actively encourage children and whilst I and my sons Nan looked at the stock Mum and his nibs was given a demo of the shops small layout.
One shop we probably will never visit again is Trainlines of Derby. Not child friendly at all despite the fact we were talking about buying a DCC system ! His lost sale !
Sounds as if Jerry is already "Autism Friendly". I am pleased to say that despite (or because of) our sons condition most people at the model shows / shops we visit really take to him and make him feel very welcome.
Chris
Been to Trainlines once. Just seems there are one or 2 people in shops that just dont have a sufficiently high enough social skill level to deal with the average shopper. They can be hard work and do make you wonder sometimes. However nowadays there are too many shoppers who think they should be treated as royalty.
My mother worked in shops for over 60 years - the last 20 in her own flower shop. She could send a customer scurrying out with their tail between their legs in seconds. But they bought a large bunch of expensive flowers and always came back for more. Sort of Arkwright without the apparrent fawning.
Weve met a few autistic children, they are special and parents deserve all the help they can get. His nibs appears to have a gift to make friends with them. Was on a train with an autistic teenager once who didnt like to be crowded, but by the time we got off he was helping his nibs down the steps. The father was amazed.
Cheers, Simon