Myself...I don't really pay much attention to a difference in the cost of baits between Wal-Mart, Dicks, Sportsman's Warehouse, BPS, Backwaters, Anglers, online, etc. I do notice that the smaller local shops carry some things that the big box boys don't always have, like the D&L Jigs that I prefer, for instance. If the smaller shops have it, I'll buy it there. If they don't, I'll get it where I can get it. I prefer the local guys...and like I said before, the people that are going there now will continue to go there even if BPS opens in Georgetown...the only bad thing about that is that it's a short term thinking for a shrinking group of folks.
I think the real problem lies with the generations and times changing. Whether you're talking about tires, baits, chicken sandwiches, or hardware...in the age of the internet and big budget national advertising, these kids are entering the marketplace as consumers who don't care about the local guy. They don't even know who the local guy is. They're price/brand name recognition/convenience shoppers. They're not like us and there's no sentimental or loyalty factor in there. They don't care if they are buying it from Ed who started his own business and lives two neighborhoods over and used to work with your Dad on the assembly line years ago at GE or Jimmy wearing an apron working the cash register down at X-Mart. They don't care about Ed. They don't know Ed. Jimmy's just fine, because he's fast, he's priced okay, he's got stuff, he's got a good website, and they've known who X-Mart is since they were old enough to watch TV. They've already learned all they need to know about the product on the internet. (Or so they think.)
If I owned a small sporting goods store, I'd be worried too. It is tough for the small guys to compete, but it's deeper than "We can't sell this bag of lizards for the same low price that BPS does." That's just one little piece of a great big puzzle...and maybe the least significant one. I'd be finding a way to make sure that the sporting youth knew who I was and that I found some of their flavor to put on my menu...because one day, that's going to be all of the customer base. The small shops who aren't trying to advertise, crank up a website, and get modern probably won't be around at some point. It's sad...and it'll be a part of history gone by the wayside...but it is what it is.
Capitalism is a bitch and Johnny Morris built an empire and household name full of long term competitive advantages. Got to admire him for that, if for nothing other than business savvy. There are a whole lot more 12 year olds who know who Bass Pro Shops is than the local baitshop. They see Dad's catalogs that come in the mail every week. They'll still know BPS when they're 16 and buying their first baitcaster.
Again, just my two cents.
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Originally Posted by BardstownFish
