So the economy is slow, retail sales are slacking in many categories including boat sales, fishing gear, outdoor gear, camping gear, and generally any category where discretionary spending money might go. Gas prices have declined, but that still is not freeing up enough cash for folks to spend on their hobbies, and so the sales stay slow.

Then we get close to the holidays, and the retailers all start to have these magnificent 50-60% off sales. Its the time of year they depend on to make a big piece of their annual sales volume.

So if they can afford to sell this stuff discounted severely at Christmas, just maybe if they made their prices more reasonable ALL YEAR LONG, we might not be seeing such a down turn in the economy. Just maybe this thing is a blessing to our sport. Just maybe if sales stay slow, retailers of all types of outdoor equipment will realize we are not hooked on their gear addictions. Just maybe we the consumers are sending exactly the right message to the manufacturers, that prices have gotten out of hand, they are inflated, and they have finally hit a melt down point that might just force some devaluation, and as a result, drive more realistic pricing in the future.

And just maybe if the retailers decide to keep their prices low, fair, and constant through out the whole year, we all might just buy ALL YEAR LONG.

When I see 50% off anything around Christmas time, it just tells me how badly the retailers were price gouging me ALL YEAR LONG. When I see that severely discounted price, I just make a mental note that this kid ain't buying that thing except when it hits that price again, or at least darn close to it. So pricing credibility goes right down the tubes.

$9000 off a new pickup truck? You mean if I bought one 3 days before that glorious announcement, that I got overpriced by $9000 on my deal? If that happens to a guy, do the car dealers really think the guy is going to ever trust their prices again? So why not sell that truck for $4500 off ALL YEAR LONG, as an example. When I see a big new truck discount, I don't buy, I see that as just the beginning, and I wait to see the next shoe drop. Cause really, how many times did you see $2000 off a truck in October, then see it hit $4500 in November, then see it go to a whooping $9000 off in say December or January? So how do you buy with confidence in the price?

And just maybe if retail prices were lower, and more stable, there would be a more constant demand, and as a result, folks who work in manufacturing, distribution, and retail would have more dependable, consistent, and secure jobs. When a guy is secure in his employment, he's willing to do some discretionary spending, and thats good for the economy including the boating and fishing industries.

Just a thought......gonna go get another beer now.