show season, and the state of the economy?

[Uncle Matt]

I'm willing to bet that some tackle vendors won't be doing some of the shows this year. With the internet being what it is and the costs of space at these shows being what it is, I can see some dealers pulling out. And I expect the boat dealers will bring fewer new boats with them and they will be pushing used boats.

[keeperreaper]

Originally Posted by Uncle Matt

I'm willing to bet that some tackle vendors won't be doing some of the shows this year. With the internet being what it is and the costs of space at these shows being what it is, I can see some dealers pulling out. And I expect the boat dealers will bring fewer new boats with them and they will be pushing used boats.

I agree totally. Disposable income just doesn't exist for many. Look at all the boat manufacturers who closed up shop. It is depressing.

[fishonnelsons]

In the middle of Winter, a chance to get out and stretch your legs, have a few beers while browsing and BS'ing with your buds, people will still go to the shows.

What they buy will be another story - a custom, hard to get plug here and there, "maybe" a rod or reel that is such a deal they can't resist it, after that I don't know.

The boat dealers should be out in full force - maybe they won't bring as many boats, and cut down on the booth size, but their pencils will be working should anyone walk up and really start to talk seriously. Patience is the key now if you are looking for a boat - there will be great new and used boats available.

[spinncognito]

Looks like this year I will be able to afford the gas to get down to the shows!

[afterhours]

the risaa show always has great attendance. even in a bad economy people will want to treat thier cabin fever by going to the shows, it's still a cheap date. i think that big ticket items may be affected but our oc'd brethren will always need plugs, line, etc. heck most fishermen i know would rather buy gear than eat. belt tightening is a reality but we still gotta feed our addiction.
ps: where else can you get AH dannys, polaris', jointeds, eel skin plugs...

[Raven]

growing up as kids our mom's would always reward us with cookies, a slice of cake or some other edible treat...

now as adults our feel good food is Plugs ....rods, reels
and other assorted gear....

[MikeToole]

If the show has good speakers I think they will still bring in a real crowd. They don't really need to be big names if there are a bunch of them. The better shows MSBA had years back always included presentations by unknown members who were knowledgeable in specific areas. I always enjoyed these the most. I stopped going to Worcester years ago because it never changed, even the speakers. This type of show may see a real decline because it's main focus is expensive trips.

I think the price of custom plugs may come back to the land of reality. I've noted that some of the beachmaster plugs that were selling for 50 or 60 area are now easy to obtain for 30. That is still more then I'm willing to pay but it is a sign of what may be coming.

[Nebe]

when times are tough, the tough eat

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Uncle Matt

With the internet being what it is and the costs of space at these shows being what it is, I can see some dealers pulling out.

Absolutely. Phones not being reliably answered, no product in the store, orders trickling out slowly if at all over the entire week it takes us to do a show? Staff taken away from the web development that needs to get done before the fishing season hits again? Product getting beat up from traveling? Theft from the booth resulting in the need to do a full inventory post-show? I don't think so.

Last year was the last year of shows as we used to do them. We've got room at home now so we'll be doing mini-shows and classes at the store throughout the winter. We'll probably have a small booth at RISAA with a raffle going in exchange for email addresses and a couple computers so if a customer wants to make a purchase on site they easily can (no tax, free shipping, and we'll probably throw in a 10% discount too in that scenario ), but that's about it.

I suspect most shops do shows because they feel they "have" to be there to look like they're doing well.

The beauty of this is I'm going to walk around and enjoy RISAA from the other side for the first time ever...

[Flaptail]

Hmmm....let's see? Four major American cities announced this morning that not unlike GM, if the feds don't bail them out they will tank, shut down, city services gone, zip. PD, FD all of it.

Now couple that with Detroits woes and what GM going under will do to the national economic scene.

When this is all ova, not only the Upper midwest and great lakes regions will be trashed

People will still go, but since show prices are notoriously high for the most part, the wallets will be tightly shut and stay tucked in pockets.

[Crafty Angler]

My apologies - I neglected to touch on commodities and futures -

Eels, crabs, sandworms - the pogie market is too unstable over the long haul, I think, demand is fixed but production is unreliable ...

It bears watching...

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by Flaptail

Hmmm....let's see? Four major American cities announced this morning that not unlike GM, if the feds don't bail them out they will tank, shut down, city services gone, zip. PD, FD all of it.

Do you have a link for the news wire on that.