As was mentioned in passing on a couple of thrteads, Modelzone, Britain's largest chain of model shops, went belly up in June.
WH Smith have acquired the name and opened a Modelzone section in selected shops. Croydon is one of the selected shops and I've been to have a look.
They have: a limited stock of plastic kits, nearly all from Airfix; some Oxford 1:86 diecasts; about a dozen 1:43 cars, about a dozen Scalextric cars; some Burago 1:18 cars and a similar sort of stock for trains. What does look better is in the modellers bits and pieces: a good selection of modelling tools, eg a razor saw and needle files, various adhesives; a full set of Humbrol paints, but after a month there are gaps in the display and stocks haven't been replenished. I accept they are putting a toe in the market to see what sells and that anything being available on the high street is 'a good thing' but there isn't really anything for a collector of 1:43 racing cars like myself.