I am in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the retail price is just over $200. At that, the stores cannot get enough stock. This is a very unusual kit in large scale and I think the demand of it is more than Italeri estimated. I have watched Jim build his and he has added lots of detail but right out of the box will give you a very good model. I buy a kit based on the subject, not the price...except I ain't buying a Pocher :)