I was over at one of the two local fly shops that I frequent yesterday (one near work, one near home) and the subject of "how's business" came up. The owner told me he is seriously considering shutting the doors when his lease is up (in April). He gave me two examples of what he sees as reflective of the types of problem facing local shops:
1. A guy comes into the shop to try out some equipment. He doesn't purchase anything, but after he has "test-driven" some product, goes away and purchases it cheaper at an online merchant.
2. Another fellow comes in and while browsing, finds something that is obviously mismarked. Rather than make a big deal out of it, the owner sells it to the man for the marked price, even though he is losing profit, and even thought the fellow can easily afford the "correct" price.
Increasingly, people are using fly shops as a place to "test drive" equipment, but are unwilling to pay the full retail price (Most high-end manufacturers do not allow discounting on their current line products). They then purchase their equipment on line from big name retailers (usually out-of-state so no sales tax) that have no personal interaction with the customers, who ship for little or nothing on items above a certain price. And while the consumer saves himself a few dollars, the local businessman, who lives in the community, who provides service and information with a smile, who would call you by name if you gave him the opportunity, goes out of business.
I would encourage you not to let this happen. Go to your local fly shop and spend some money. You will not break your bank account in doing so, but you will find that you make a friend who can provide much better service that any online company can or cares to.
Buzz
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