What Happened to El Cajon Hobbies?

Updated February 2025

The East County hobby community has seen significant changes in recent years, including the transformation of El Cajon Hobbies, a once-prominent RC hobby shop located in El Cajon, CA. While the store is no longer operating as a hobby shop, its evolution tells an interesting story about the changing landscape of specialty retail in San Diego County.

A Business Evolution

El Cajon Hobbies was known for serving RC enthusiasts throughout East County. However, facing changes in the RC market, Harrison made the strategic decision to pivot his business focus. Rather than continuing with RC products, he transitioned to a new venture specializing in side-by-side off-road vehicles, parts, and services.

This transformation reflects the dynamic nature of specialty retail, where business owners must sometimes adapt to changing market conditions. While El Cajon Hobbies no longer exists in its original form, Harrison’s expertise in recreational vehicles continues through his new business, which focuses on UTV and off-road vehicle parts.

Impact on the RC Community

The pivot of El Cajon Hobbies as a hobby shop left many RC enthusiasts searching for a new source for their hobby needs. Located just three miles from the former El Cajon Hobbies, HobbyTown Santee has worked to fill this void, offering many of the same RC products and services customers previously found at El Cajon Hobbies.

Supporting Former El Cajon Hobbies Customers

We understand that many former El Cajon Hobbies customers may be looking for specific products they used to purchase there. HobbyTown Santee is committed to serving the East County RC community and welcomes input from hobbyists about their needs. We want to hear from you if there are particular items or brands you’d like to see available.

Help Us Serve You Better

Were you a customer of El Cajon Hobbies? We’d love to know what products you miss most. Please contact us regarding the items you’d like to see at HobbyTown Santee.

Looking to the Future

As El Cajon Hobbies transitions, the RC hobby scene in East County continues to thrive. HobbyTown Santee remains dedicated to supporting RC enthusiasts with:

• Comprehensive selection of RC vehicles and parts
• Expert staff knowledge and support
• Hands-on shopping experience
• Competitive pricing
• Community focus

For RC enthusiasts seeking to continue their hobby journey, HobbyTown Santee welcomes you to visit our store, where you’ll find many of the products and services you previously enjoyed at El Cajon Hobbies. Our team is dedicated to providing the kind of knowledgeable, personalized service that specialty hobby shops are known for.

The legacy of hobby retail in East County continues to evolve, and we’re honored to be part of that tradition, serving both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby.