Bass Pro

[dickmont]

in case you haven't been paying attention the last 10 or so years this is a quick overview. walmart has become the largest co in the usa. everywhere they open a new store local businesses go under. the ripple effects to the local economy not only include loss of jobs, but leases stop being paid, property taxes stop being paid, and people become unemployed. walmart on the other hand, negotiates reduced tax deals with local govts., lowers the wage base by 30% or more and offers nearly worthless benefits. their employes end up in the public hospitals without insurance and guess who gets to pick up the tab. you got it, that's right, it's the rest of us. local taxes have to go up to make up the shortfall. if you're among the poorest people in our country you might say it's still a good deal. they sell everthing cheap, pay just above minimum wages, and will hire you with no other skill sets. if you opt for their insurance you'll make a little over $5 an hr. there is a reason that the waltons are the richest family in our land. that said, BP is not walmart. no they are far smaller, but they are made in the same image. their impact on local businesses that they compete with will be similar. we all get to vote with our feet-wallets. i'll stick with the local B&T's. when i walk in the door they know my name and make me feel at home.

[pmueller]

Amen

[TheSpecialist]

If you compare the prices at BassPro on reels, line hooks etc, there really are not any cheaper than the B&T shops. I hit the B&T's when ever I am fishing whether I need something or not. That being said sometimes you just can't make a shop before they close, those times I find my self in SA, wally world etc. I doubt that Bass Pro 35 miles from the ocean is going to put that big a dent in the B&T shops.

[boot man]

Originally Posted by TheSpecialist

If you compare the prices at BassPro on reels, line hooks etc, there really are not any cheaper than the B&T shops.

This is important to know!!!! They only have the perception of being cheaper. I buy local 99%. My job puts me on the road, I kill time price shopping items sometimes. Havent seen many identical fishing supplies cheaper at big box stores. WalMart gets you in with cheap soda and toilet paper and hope you go to the fishing section while you're there.

SHOP LOCAL MOM and POP's!!

[Raven]

how Cabela's is coming to Conneticut....and now Basspro is now coming to massachusetts and at the same time the nimby's are closing down access to
fishing areas because of a handful of SLOBS. You would think that the representatives behind these corporations would have lobbiests for fisherman access (and hunting access) to increase the amount of access, which would directly increase sales of their product lines. pardon me if that didnt translate to well.

[lurch]

That is a great point! More fishing access = more fishing sales....for local shops as well!

[zimmy]

for example: Cabela's in PA is near where I grew up and where my family is. Stopped in to check it out. Didn't find several things I was looking for including 300 yd+ spools of 50 lb powerpro. and the line prices were around what I would pay at many of the local BT. I was hoping to find some 3-5 oz unpainted bullets for the canal. Something like $3.50 for 2. Around the canal I pay 80-90 cents a piece. So approximately 3 @ local places for the price of 2 at Cabelas. Big places you can clean up on reel sales and such because of the high purchase volume. I'd just rather support people I know and like who are knowledgable fisherman and provide top notch customer service. Worth the price to me...