Some Ideas On What Gets You In The Doors

[FishNFire]

I recently took on a new job at DSG (Dick's Sporting Goods) as part of this I have kind of tried to think about some things that I thought would enhance the experience of fisherman coming in, after all they got their start in fishing tackle. I was just curious what some of you thought might be something that you would like to see. Obviously there are restrictions in terms of selection based on store size so not a lot that can be done there.

 

Instead here are some of what I was thinking..

1 Fishing seminars on knots, techniques, rigging setups, reel maintenance, storage. Things like that and combining topics of course.

2 Tackle making ideas and supplies (if they can be obtained to the store)

3 Having a wall of fame with pictures of fish and description of how they were caught i.e. lure, technique, presentation... offer up a $10 coupon to anyone that participates.

4 try to participate in local bass clubs and tourneys giving away coupons or doing seminars out there

 

Just a couple ideas I had and I have more but I am interested in what kind of stuff you would like to see from a store if anything at all.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

The wall of fame and the bass clubs sound like great ideas. Perhaps you could convince DSG to sponsor some youth fishing derbies, or the like.

 

I'd just be content if they had everything in stock at my local DSG. It's the only brick and mortar store with tackle within 30 minutes of home, and sometimes I go there and wish I'd made the hour drive to BPS because they're sold out of what I'm looking for. For what it's worth the fishing guys at my local Dick's are good people and avid anglers... they just don't have much say in the management of the department, from what I can tell.

 

If I'm not mistaken the fishing department is under new management. It was recently re-organized and expanded. Maybe things will change for the better. I still go there in a pinch.

[geo g]

What gets me in the door are sales on the things I use.  Nothing else matters to me.

[gramps50]

I have bought from DSG on line but never visit the store. One is in a mall and a pain to get to. The other one is a stand alone but I don't go to that part of town much. Both are about the same distant from me. I get most of my fishing from a local mom & pop sporting goods store not far from me.

 

Can also drive about 25 miles to a  P or Caberlas.

[SirSnookalot]

I was at DSG in Ft Lauderdale last year, the associate was a man about my age.  He had a fish album on the counter of some outstanding fish he had caught, the store being very close to the ocean it was all saltwater fish.  That fish album was a great sales tool.

[aavery2]

IMO the the DSG's in this area are little more than overpriced clothing stores.  If you are looking for a 60-75 dollar sweat shirt then they are a good choice, if you are looking for a fishing rod or reel, then you are all but out of luck.   I use Cabela's, Gander Mountain, and Academy Sports before DSG's every time.  I hope the store that you are going to be working at supports the fishing community better than the stores in our area.

[skeeter1980]

What gets me in the door is the sign that reads,ENTERlol. I went to my local DSG's when it opened in the summer.Not a place i'll be buying any fishing stuff.The prices are too high.

[OkobojiEagle]

 there are restrictions in terms of selection based on store size so not a lot that can be done there.

 

 

Sorry, selection is all I want from a retail store... and it better be an upgrade from Walmart's selection.

 

 

oe

[SHaugh]

The retail world is awash with fishing tackle seconds and overstocks.   Tell them to have a big box in that department of decent quality tackle that is marked buy any regular item get a free item from the box.

[Justin Mott]

It sounds like you are on the right track. In my opinion, most people will come in for the sales alone. Most people are looking for deals over other stores but that is obvious.

 

The next reason would be in-depth knowledge of local fishing. If you can gather the most up-to-date information and people begin to trust that information, you will notice more people coming to you and your store for it. For tournament fishermen, price is almost a secondary notion. We spend 100s of dollars just to participate in tournaments that are for little more than bragging rights. If you can get the inside scoop on how they are being won, people will be all over that.

 

You could also have a small test tank. I have seen it a few times where you could test a few side items like plastic worms to see how they look in the water. Do they float or just sink to bottom? How does a jig look with a certain trailer and how does it react? Sure you might need a few more spares than your boss might like but it could be a useful selling tool.

 

Coupons are a great item to get new people in the door. Keeping up-to-date tournament entry forms will keep tournament guys coming in. I love the big fish bragging board idea. Throw in a little competitions like discounts for biggest bass on the board. I think the cost to benefits would be very much in your favor.

 

BPS is all about videos. They are little TVs at the end of every other row. Its a pure infomercial but they can give you an idea of how to use those lures. And I believe that it gives people more confidence in buying lures that they aren't comfortable with. I'm sure you can come up with an inexpensive version of this.

 

Good Luck and let me know what you come up with,

Justin Mott

[FishNFire]

Some good ideas in here especially liked your post Justin exactly the kind of stuff I am looking for and some stuff to think about that are small and easy ways to enhance the sales and information provided.