Quinte Fishing

If you want to cater to every fishermans desires then you need volume and variety. You also need to change with the seasonal transitions to stay on top. Add to this the fact that you have very little buying power as the large chain stores get the best deals and first crack at new products since they have multiple venues ( stores) which is what vendors want. Top this off with poor margins on guns, rods and reals ( big ticket items)and an independent has to make it up on all the accessories and must attempt this in most cases by charging more then the big chains. Then we wine and shop elsewhere and eventually they go out of business. Sad but this is the truth of the matter. I have witnessed this with Mike Howes store as well as Quinte Outdoor store. We are all guilty of trying to get a deal not realizing what impact and disservice we are doing to our local stores when we do this. As a business you do what you can to keep a customer happy and yes sometimes you give them a deal in hopes that they become a loyal customer. But being in retail for 40 years I can tell you first hand there is no loyalty today in mr. And Mrs. Consumer, money talks. Personally I have been a fairly loyal patron to CT Kingston and if they don't have what I need they order it in for me. Yes I pay a few bucks more but if we don't eventually Mr. Derbyshire may decide to yank it out. He is already being handcuffed by paying a franchise premium on the fishing and guns as he is a unique store trying a new concept and as such he pays an addition fee to his Franchisor so he can carry it. This is why his prices are a little more then the chain stores. Personally they have most of what I need or can get it in. If he can't get it then yes I too use Tackle Warehouse but only after I have given them the first chance to satisfy me. No chain store is going to set up shop in Kingston there just isn't the population base they require to get the green Light from corporate, so support our own they try hard. Even Brown bear is a great guy not trying to be everything to everyone but trying to carve out a living so when you buy some minnows buy a few extras and treat yourself they really appreciate it and honestly are counting on it for and chance at long term stability!!

Gord