I was talking with a local fishing store owner and he is already cutting down his inventory in anticipation of the new competition from Wholesale.
Good or bad it will effect the little guys!
--Cut back on inventory is worst thing to do. I agree maybe cut back on common items or manufacturers like zebco or quantum etc where price match is not possible if loyal customers owner might just have to deal with keeping small stock at a loss for convenience.
--What the store should be doing is seeking new lines... ie go to ICAST show in Vegas and get some unique products.. Also check out local and smaller suppliers that will give competitive wholesale price. Get some specialty rods and reels or custom made rod services.
--Wholesale Sports can be a plus... drawing new customers to the area who.. while they are there will check out the local shop as well.
--I don't know about the rest of you but if I was in wholesale sports and passed a small shop on the way I couldn't resist taking a look.
--I was just at the customer appreciation days in kelowna at troutwaters fly & tackle.. they had prices that rivaled or beat local Can tire plus full selection of Mobey nets and outcast boats at great prices. Can tire is only two blocks away.
-I stop and shop at Wholesale sports when I'm in kamloops but as the Kamloops fly shop is only 1/2 mile away always make sure I stop in there as well to see what they have that's new.