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Russell wrote:I'm sure they do! I would hate it too if I was a store owner/manager.

But they limit themselves to two very tiny population segments when they aren't willing to at least price match major online retailers. The crowd that doesn't do online shopping, and the crowd that needs it *now*.

The problem for retailers is that the non-online shopping crowd is shrinking, and the "need it now" crowd really doesn't apply at all to a lot of merchandise. Mainly it's just food and similar.

The point is that retailers, like everyone else, need to provide something that folks are willing to pay for. They cannot compete on cost with an online retailer that does not need cashiers, sales clerks, loss prevention, display stands, buildings, etc.

warnmar10 wrote:

Soccerdad1995 wrote:Sears stays in business by repeatedly going through bankruptcy reorganization and writing off their debts. ...

When did Sears file for bankruptcy?

I stand corrected. There is a lot of speculation, but it looks like they have not filed as of now.

Maxwell wrote:

Soccerdad1995 wrote:Personally, I think that all retailers have a limited future as people get more and more comfortable buying things online. A brick and mortar location is just not going to be able to compete with the cost structure and economies of scale that an online retailer brings to the game. Companies that produce things will either sell directly to their consumer, or through large online retailers like Amazon.

To survive, a B&M retailer needs to offer something that a consumer cannot get online. But the opportunity to handle the product isn't enough. Consumers will visit the store to see the product and will then buy it online to save a few bucks. They need to find a more "sticky" value proposition.

The problem with this is that soon we may not have the Brick & Mortar storefront around to handle products.

Support your local retail outlet. The may be a bit more, but they are providing jobs and service other than "Press 1 for customer service..."

I don't know that a concerted effort will be enough to reverse the trend. And I agree that the end result will be that customers no longer have a physical location to touch and feel the product before ordering. Supporting your local retail outlet makes sense for the reasons you noted, but there is a similar push to save local mom and pop stores every time a Wal-Mart opens. And inevitably, when push comes to shove, customers end up choosing to save a few bucks instead.

When I predict dire times for retail, I am talking about what I think will happen, not what I want to happen.

Nano wrote:I was very excited when I learned that they were putting a store in Arlington. After several visits I think I only bought a couple of fishing lures because their gun related items were just to high. I have bought a lot from Academy. GM is the last place I think of locally when I am ready to buy. If they want to stay in business they will have to become a lot more competitive. Off the subject but I can't see how Sears stays in business.

Sears stays in business by repeatedly going through bankruptcy reorganization and writing off their debts. It is a matter of time, IMHO, for them and also for places like Best Buy.

Jusme wrote:

Soccerdad1995 wrote:Personally, I think that all retailers have a limited future as people get more and more comfortable buying things online. A brick and mortar location is just not going to be able to compete with the cost structure and economies of scale that an online retailer brings to the game. Companies that produce things will either sell directly to their consumer, or through large online retailers like Amazon.

To survive, a B&M retailer needs to offer something that a consumer cannot get online. But the opportunity to handle the product isn't enough. Consumers will visit the store to see the product and will then buy it online to save a few bucks. They need to find a more "sticky" value proposition.

I agree, especially since they began a "saturation" push a few years ago. They have stores in several places, my guess was to compete with Academy. But like most have said, even their sale prices, are at or above what you can buy elsewhere. They do carry a large selection of guns, but if they are not going to compete on price point, they end up with a huge inventory and very slow sales.

Firearm retailers do have a few things going for them. They sell things that you either cannot buy entirely online (guns that require FFL transfer), or that cost a lot to ship in small quantities (powder, primers). If they have a gun range, they also have the opportunity to sell convenience items like ammo and targets at a decent mark-up. Finally, they have a potentially loyal customer base that, at least for now, values personal relationships more than the average consumer, IMHO.

But, they should focus on those things they can do better than an online retailer. Things like running a good quality range where people can have a great experience at a reasonable price. Having a quality gunsmith on site who does work at a reasonable price (and who can install those night sights and other things you buy at a discount if bought on site). Maybe offering free classes for gun maintenance, basic gunsmithing, reloading, etc., which will encourage sales of powder and primers. And of course, on-site LTC classes along with proficiency training. Just ask, is this something that an online retailer can easily do / sell. If the answer is no, that's a good thing to focus on.

Personally, I think that all retailers have a limited future as people get more and more comfortable buying things online. A brick and mortar location is just not going to be able to compete with the cost structure and economies of scale that an online retailer brings to the game. Companies that produce things will either sell directly to their consumer, or through large online retailers like Amazon.

To survive, a B&M retailer needs to offer something that a consumer cannot get online. But the opportunity to handle the product isn't enough. Consumers will visit the store to see the product and will then buy it online to save a few bucks. They need to find a more "sticky" value proposition.