Local Tackleshop Vs. Retail Giants

[Fishes in trees]

I think that we are pretty lucky in the KC metro area in that we have Rogers Lures, which is a good independent fishing tackle/archery/hunting stuff (everything except guns) store.

That being said, if I am out and about and drive past BPS ( Independence) or Cabelas (KCK) I will stop and look around.  Dicks, not so much.  Allegedly there is an Academy Sports that opened up over in KS, but I haven't made a trip there yet.

 

I buy most of my stuff retail, rather than on-line.   I use the on-line shops to look and get ideas on what I want next.  I only order on-line if I can't find what I want over a counter.

[Preytorien]

I'm in the same boat as some other posts.....

 

I have a local shop, but the prices are so expensive, not to mention they've got one of those "$5 credit card limits" on all purchases. It's not usually a problem though as I rarely see anything in there less than $5. I just can't justify a $7 Strike King jig when ever our local Wal-Mart has them for $3.50. I mean....c'mon.

 

I'm all about small business though don't get me wrong - I frequent a coffee shop here in town that's homegrown while we have a Starbucks right down the road. But when small business marks up that much, I can't justify the extra cost just so I feel better about myself.

 

My purchases usually come from TW. Bass Pro is good but I've never ordered anything from them that didn't take 10 days to get to me....in central Indiana. Now we have a Cabela's coming in within the next year or so....I foresee this being a bad thing for my paycheck.

[Weld's Largemouth]

Local runs expensive though. This is the 21st century, major chains are ever-growing and we must deal with it, its just how our economy is running and is actually beneficial to the national economy. For example, in my town we have a local pharmacy that is insanely overpriced and lacks selection.. now a chain CVS pharmacy is opening soon and i hope they put the local pharmacy out of business. Yes it will hurt those who work at the local pharmacy in the short term but, they can get BETTER paying positions at CVS than the local pharmacy had given them. The national economy is boosted by these chains, as many American families own stock and many shoppers at these stores benefit in two ways, by paying low prices for products and by profiting as investors

Even though people think chains ruin small businesses this is false. They weed out they over expensive and unjust business and spur the growth of new ones that can compete with the chains on the same level. Plus it is obvious, big chains mean less expensive.. its a no brainer positive factor. 

 

On a fishing note,

 

I feel TW is where its at. BPS and Cabelas are just corrupt, and often expensive (when buying online) compared to TW. The amount of shipping they charge is outrageous and TW does an amazing job of free shipping and $5 two day shipping its great.  And Dick's is just a mess, its expensive and the selection isnt the best. They have good clearance sales sometimes though

[aavery2]

I think that we are pretty lucky in the KC metro area in that we have Rogers Lures, which is a good independent fishing tackle/archery/hunting stuff (everything except guns) store.

That being said, if I am out and about and drive past BPS ( Independence) or Cabelas (KCK) I will stop and look around.  Dicks, not so much.  Allegedly there is an Academy Sports that opened up over in KS, but I haven't made a trip there yet.

 

I buy most of my stuff retail, rather than on-line.   I use the on-line shops to look and get ideas on what I want next.  I only order on-line if I can't find what I want over a counter.

We do have an Academy Sports in Wichita

[speed craw]

I shop locally, however I have it made as where I live I have a bass pro , cabelas , academy , dicks retail stores all around. However i'm not so much into big chains based more over they just about carry the same stuff or there own brand to a point then fight over pennies for the same stuff . The local tackle store tends to carry a lot better variety that others dont but they do have medium to higher end stuff like tackle warehouse so I dont mind spending $$ for other fishing equipment or gear.

[Ronald K Smith]

I try to support the local tackle store but they have all but closed due to the large mega stores. Looks like the local bait shop only restocks live bait and flea market finds on a regular basis due to the big stores.

[greentrout]

Years ago in a smaller community there were some local tackle shops I would buy their products & services. There you could find lures and other items you would not find at Wally, Academy and the like. For example: that 1/8 oz. buzz bait that worked great on marsh LMB or spinner bait that worked, too. That's how I discovered It's a Humdinger.

 

Them were the days...

 

Old school basser...

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I prefer local as long as they aint doubled the price.i picked up a old school lightning rod pistol grip for 20 bucks one day at a local place had 49.99 marked down to 20$ i woulda bought 5 at that price

[*Hootie]

I can remember when you bought most of your fishing gear at the local hardware stores.

Hootie

[wytstang]

I started shopping at TW about 2 months ago and it has been a God send for me. Most of the local shops here (Ladson,SC) carry Strike King, Booya, and lots of Zman (Zman is located here), with some Rapala and Rebel sprinkled here and there. The prices are high and the brands I like/discovered thanks to TW just aren't here (Dirty Jigs, Netbaits, D&M,MegaStrike), they also seem to open @10am all week. I work nights so staying up that "late" is very inconvenient for me, shopping at 3am and tax free works out perfect for me (all other chains I pay tax and shipping). Better selection, better prices, convenient shopping in my situation, and free shipping/tax free.

[Chris at Tech]

I'm fortunate enough to have a phenomenal local place near my office - Hammonds. The place is an institution especially for those who fish Lanier. They recognize me, are happy to share info, cut some discounts, and if they don't have it they will get it for you. Great store with great people!

I still do quite a bit of shopping at TW as well.

[plural_of_fant]

I give Susquehanna bait and tackle about 99% of my business. they are a good independent shop that's as up to date as any of the big guys.

[Brnnoser6983]

Here in Minnesota we have Cabelas and gander, plus your local mom and pops. And lately I have been going to mom and pops or online.

The big stores stock so much of x brand and hardly do you ever find some of the nice off brands. And by off brand I mean big name but not next to Rapala. Like I can only find z-man chatters in the big brand and my local will carry or order the others that I like (like weedless ***).

Also good luck finding Livingston lures, *** or River2Sea in a gander.