El Paso, Texas (KVIA) — For more than 50 years, Hal’s Hobby Warehouse has helped generations of El Pasoans build, create and explore their interests.
Owner Carlos Priemer, 88, still works at the store several days a week with his wife, Gloria, and stepson Tony Lopez, who manages the business.
“We are here to wake up the minds of the young kids,” Priemer said.
Carlos, who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, says he wants young people to think creatively and stay productive.
“We want them to think, to do something with their hands, to be productive, to invent, to improvise, to better something and apply themselves,” he said.
Lopez says continuing to work helps keep Carlos active and engaged.
“This is what keeps him going. It’s what keeps him young and active and keeps his mind sharp,” Lopez said.
For longtime customers, the store is also a place filled with memories. Lopez compared the experience to the movie Ratatouille, when a taste brings back childhood memories.
“They do the same thing,” Lopez said. “They say, ‘I used to have this when I was young,’ and then they grow up and end up buying it again.”
Even with online shopping available, customers still visit Hal’s looking for something specific—and reconnecting with hobbies from their childhood.
Carlos’ message to young people is simple: “Think of ways to do things better. Don’t be happy with the status quo. Do things better.”