Kirtley Howe Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 Dicks just opened the largest (at this time) Dicks' House of Sports near me. This is a huge, 2 story store. I went to the grand opening with high expectations, but while the store is huge, the fishing department is very small. To give you an idea...my house is 1100 sq feet of living space. The ENTIRE fishing department would fit in the area of my living room and kitchen, and I have a very small kitchen. The had an OK selection of reels, a moderate selection of lures, and a pretty small selection of rods. I was very disappointed. I did score a Diawa AvidX rod for $31.00 during their grand opening but that was the only real deal. And as I said, the overall selection of fishing tackle and lures was pretty pathetic. It is very sad to see what Dicks has become. They were founded in Binghamton NY which is 22 miles from where I live, and started out as a fishing tackle store. For years, they had a great selection of fishing gear and tackle, and a decent hunting section. They also had excellent camping gear. Now they should be called "Dicks clothing, shoes, golf, and "oh yeah, we have some fishing stuff" store". For me, it is very depressing. I guess the economics have forced them to carry the much higher profit stuff (for example sneakers are usually over a 100% mark up, most clothing items are 70% mark up, and golf equipment is also a huge mark up). Fishing tackle and equipment is a very competitive market, and margins are often very slender. I understand the reality of it, but it sure is disappointing to me. I do have one of their off-shoot Field and Stream stores about 30 miles from where I live. That has more fishing tackle and lures, but even that is not nearly as good as Dicks used to be. Oh well, time marches on and things change and not always for the better. 4
you Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 Dicks fishing section is weird. In the branch near me, it has expanded and contracted over the years. Aside from a few basics, there is rapid and unusual turnover of products, to the point where I think they are just randomly testing the market and quickly shipping out out items that are in demand elsewhere. Their bargain bins can be great, but it's hit or miss, too. I don't rely on dicks for any regular purchases, but you can check what they have in stock online. Unlike BPS, the online stock info has always been correct for me (no 'limited stock' BS).
Skunkmaster-k Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 The Dicks in Amarillo really went downhill fast. I’m not sure but I think they shut it down.
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted October 12, 2023 Global Moderator Posted October 12, 2023 Our two story Dicks house of sport is pretty awesome. They have tons of stuff
Super User flyfisher Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 It isn't sad, it is the market dictating need. If a business is going to stay open it will do so by adjusting to the market need and not forcing the hand and then being shut down due to lack of business. I have been to Dick's sporting Goods in some places that have a large fishing department and others that are like you mentioned. Also, fishing gear has a very similar markup to the other items mentioned, especially with the purchasing power that a store of that size possesses. Honestly if it bothers you that much I would just go to a mom & pop tackle shop instead. They even tried to do a more outdoors based shop and it quickly folded. The competition in that market is much higher and easier to go online than in clothing or soft goods that people want to put their hands on before buying. I am not one to want to go into a store if at all it can be avoided and fishing is no exception. I'd rather order online and have it to my doorstep in a day or two than waste time in a store.
ironbjorn Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 Once you more or less know what you like, brick and mortar is obsolete in today's world. And I HATE that, but it's the truth. Online shopping is the future, and the future is here. I'm consistently disappointed in the selection or lack thereof of almost all physical stores these days, if the store even exists at all. 2
Super User AlabamaSpothunter Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 The board of Dick's hates your average American, they loathe the 2nd Amendment, and overall don't care a bit about hunters or anglers. I wouldn't buy a bottle of water from them if it was the last drop of water on Earth. They cater to the suburban demo....soccer moms, yoga folks, granola eating hikers, etc. 9 2 3
Super User LrgmouthShad Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 The Dick’s that I know have gotten worse in the way of fishing selection. I used to go for only a couple items: black senkos and bitsy flip jigs. Now I go for nothing
Super User T-Billy Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 This company is aptly named. @AlabamaSpothunter nailed it. 8 1
Super User AlabamaSpothunter Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 4 minutes ago, T-Billy said: This company is aptly named. @AlabamaSpothunter nailed it. The irony is excellent indeed 🤣 The CEO and board are almost all female......you know they hate the name 😆 2
Super User flyfisher Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 13 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said: The board of Dick's hates your average American, they loathe the 2nd Amendment, and overall don't care a bit about hunters or anglers. I wouldn't buy a bottle of water from them if it was the last drop of water on Earth. They cater to the suburban demo....soccer moms, yoga folks, granola eating hikers, etc. what a ridiculous propaganda filled statement......the average American is exactly what drives their business model. Guys like you don't drive their business. They tried to cater to your belief of what the "average American" was with a hunting/fishing specific store and they failed and shut the stores down. Interesting as well that a private enterprise doing what they want to do with their business equates to hating the 2nd amendment. What they did is the epitome of being an American and in a capitalist economy. They lost money on the deal too from what I read previously but we all know that doesn't matter to you or anyone who is on the propaganda belief train... No matter what you believe to be true or not, the one thing that drives 99.9% of anything is money when it comes to big business. And maybe if more people actually got out and went hiking and ate granola obesity wouldn't be so high in this country.... 4 7 1
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted October 12, 2023 Global Moderator Posted October 12, 2023 I don’t care what they think about me as long as they keep selling me armor Shads 3 1
waymont Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 47 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said: The board of Dick's hates your average American I think you're being hyperbolic. 2
Super User flyfisher Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 26 minutes ago, waymont said: I think you're being hyperbolic. I think it is more that he hates that he isn't the average American and is projecting that hate to a store.
Super User Catt Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 Dick's Sport & Goods here eliminated all hunting related items a few years back and now has eliminated all fishing related items as well. They are way over priced compared to every other sporting goods store! 4
Junger Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 1 hour ago, AlabamaSpothunter said: The board of Dick's hates your average American, they loathe the 2nd Amendment, and overall don't care a bit about hunters or anglers. I wouldn't buy a bottle of water from them if it was the last drop of water on Earth. They cater to the suburban demo....soccer moms, yoga folks, granola eating hikers, etc. yeah Walmart too 3
Junk Fisherman Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 I rarely ever go to Dick's to shop for fishing gear. The clothing and shoes are what I shop for there primarily. The way you described your store is similar to mine. It doesn't upset me since it is what I've come to expect. I might pick up some Keitechs, Maxscent or some Sleepers if I have a coupon. 1
Super User Mobasser Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 The one by me is good if you need a ball glove, bicycle, or a water bottle. Not anything in the way of fishing stuff. I quit going there probably ten years ago. 1
Junk Fisherman Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 44 minutes ago, waymont said: I think you're being hyperbolic. LOL- I think so too.
Super User Mobasser Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 My local Academy blows them away. 3
Super User AlabamaSpothunter Posted October 12, 2023 Super User Posted October 12, 2023 2 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said: LOL- I think so too. I hear you guys, personally though I'll keep supporting mom and pop tackle shops, along with site sponsors. I'm sure Dick's thanks you for your business 🙂 2
Junk Fisherman Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 1 hour ago, ironbjorn said: Once you more or less know what you like, brick and mortar is obsolete in today's world. And I HATE that, but it's the truth. Online shopping is the future, and the future is here. I'm consistently disappointed in the selection or lack thereof of almost all physical stores these days, if the store even exists at all. I agree. When I go to BPS or Cabela's it is more for getting out of the house, taking my kids somewhere, and looking at boats and outdoor gear. I buy 95% of all my fishing gear online.
Pat Brown Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 I enjoy fishing enough to enjoy both the big box stores that are hit or miss and the mom and pop stores with unique selections that are in need of our support. In general I go wherever is closest when I'm out and I need something and don't get too emotional about buying stuff I need to have fun. 2
DaubsNU1 Posted October 12, 2023 Posted October 12, 2023 I don't even consider Dick's here in Omaha. We have a Scheels, Cabela's, and Bass Pro right across river in Council Bluffs. I do get a lot from Tackle Warehouse.
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