It's the way we are headed, regardless of whether the current crop of retailers or wholesalers like it or not. The only retailers making the big bucks are the big online sellers like Motackle, Sneaky Fisho, Dinga, Ocean Storm and Otto's. If the traditional stores want a slice of that action they have to get online or see their profits whittled over time away as the above compete with each other and BCF for sales.Kenle wrote:Internet shopping will destroy local businesses no doubt but tackle shops will have to be creative around thier marketing strategies to survive which from what ive seen they are pretty good, price match competitors or free bees thrown in etc... I enjoy chatting to experienced ppl that works in these shops n brows around often buying out of impulse. I guess nowadays its all about the bang for your buck, but id be sad if all the tackle shops one day vanish and online is the only place to get your gear.
I suppose the next innovation might be an online store with a very thorough and informative fishing blog or something, maybe even a full time social media guy who can provide shoppers with a similar experience to chatting with the guy behind the counter to get some advice. Dinga has something like that, although a lot of their articles look more like plagiarized homework than something I'd base a big purchasing decision on at the moment.