Bass Pro

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

It effects all shops, I think. I bet for a majority of shops out there that are very close to not making it due to so many factors already in place that something like this can be the last straw.

They are the Wal-Mart of the takle industry. They're giant, powerful, and they offer everything at good prices, and in many cases actually have pretty good employees. This will be the last straw for some shops, especially small ones that aren't online, guaranteed. Even some of the good ones.

That is not good. Keep them out then -- we need the small local shops that sell local stuff & products, know the ins and outs about our areas, and are places we can go to just shoot the breeze sometimes.

I am friendly with a couple of owners of shops in RI and they have said that they know alot of guys will make a big tackle order from BPS or Cabelas in the winter, but will come in the shops all season long for smaller stuff or smaller purchases. However, if BPS or Cabelas comes into town, that will change and, as Pete said, we'll lose all these nice small shops -- just like all the small hardware stores that closed because of Home Depot & Lowe's.

How long did you all like shopping at Home Depot? For me it lasted about 6 months -- now it is a pain, you can never find help -- and there are fewer smaller, local places to go when you are in a pinch.

[Raven]

sounds like monkey see monkey do. to me...

[lurch]

This question is for the local plug builders...habs, salty, tattoo et all. If BP came knocking on your door would you sell to them?? If they asked you to lower your price (like wal mart would) would you?

I think that the folks at SWE and Cape Cod Tackle and other great local shops have nothing to worry about. There shops are some of the best in all of NE!!! The reason why I say this is because a van stall at SWE is the same price at BP. Plus if you know a lure is the lure that is working you wont run to BP to get a new one, you will go to the local shop and get it there. Also you cant get custom stuff like rods or most importantly UP TO DATE FISHING INFORMATION from BP!

I honestly do not see a huge savings at BP compared to the local shops. Now if the prices are the same then there is no reason to go to BP.

Someone posted that when they eliminate the local shops they will raise prices well if they do a local shop will open up and take business from them. The free market will fix everything because competition is always the best for the consumer!!!

I see a huge advantage with BP in the clothing, hunting, and their own BP stuff because no one else make is......but what local B&T sells clothing or hunting stuff

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by lurch

This question is for the local plug builders...habs, salty, tattoo et all. If BP came knocking on your door would you sell to them?? If they asked you to lower your price (like wal mart would) would you?

I think that the folks at SWE and Cape Cod Tackle and other great local shops have nothing to worry about. There shops are some of the best in all of NE!!! The reason why I say this is because a van stall at SWE is the same price at BP. Plus if you know a lure is the lure that is working you wont run to BP to get a new one, you will go to the local shop and get it there. Also you cant get custom stuff like rods or most importantly UP TO DATE FISHING INFORMATION from BP!

I honestly do not see a huge savings at BP compared to the local shops. Now if the prices are the same then there is no reason to go to BP.

Someone posted that when they eliminate the local shops they will raise prices well if they do a local shop will open up and take business from them. The free market will fix everything because competition is always the best for the consumer!!!

I see a huge advantage with BP in the clothing, hunting, and their own BP stuff because no one else make is......but what local B&T sells clothing or hunting stuff

To be honest, they don't really concern me. Smaller shops which aren't online and aren't as focused on what is taking place in the market and aren't open to change or don't know how to adapt are in trouble. As Joe said, they were already in trouble even before any sort of Cabelas or BPS shows up. You can chalk it up to capitalism, Internet-only shops, and the march of time, but it's still sad to see it happen.

Years ago there was a great fishing shop in Seekonk, MA. They weren't exactly surf focused, but they were a great shop and they covered almost all the bases. Great people, decent prices. I used to go there as a kid every day during the summer after fishing in the morning. Basically I grew up visiting that place. Afterhours worked there for a while as well.

Sports Authority was the last straw for them. It opened up a mile down the street and sucked business away. I think the owners were looking to retire maybe as well, but that was the last straw. They closed the doors not too long after SA arrived. Because of that, I still hold a particular grudge against any large market dominating business like BPS or Cabelas. Sports Authority and #^&#^&#^&#^&s as well.