The Wholesale Forums

[AnyTackle]

Hi Everyone,

We have had it hard this year in the fishing tackle trade. As, things have gone very quite now due to the cold weather, and early nights. I have been thinking of changing the shop, to something more appropriate for this time of year. I don't want to make the same mistake as last year, as I waited for something to happen for 5 months until the summer came.

I am thinking of spending around £2000 on new stock. So, has anyone got any ideas of what could sell well at this time of year, and early into 2010?

The area we are in is low income, few pounds shops on the long road, plenty of takeaways, one mobile shop etc.

[craftystylez]

Christmas stuff? Trees, decorations, lights, toys, stockings etc.

[AnyTackle]

The only thing that worries me about xmas stuff is time scale. I want the product to sell through Jan & feb as well. I forgot to say I have 2 tescos within 2-3 miles of my shop on each side. They are everywhere.

[CNDMtrade]

Cant you do things for night fishing? Obviously fishing is what you know, My brother is a keen amatuer and he loves it so much the bad weather and night doesnt bother him. He sleeps all day and goes fishing all night in all weathers, maybe you could think along the lines of lights etc, fishing tents to keep warm etc, even as far as flasks? Just a suggesstion

If your wanting away from the fishing then I would suggest you think of what you yourself would like to see on that street. As a customer yourself what is needed on that street, you said there was a phone shop etc, well think of something your into yourself or something that is possibly needed.

Hope this gives you some sort of help

[AnyTackle]

Thanks for your reply CNDMtrade. We still get trade over the winter period but not enough. If for example in Dec, Jan or Feb we get lakes freezing over, the business will go almost dead. In them months you still have overheads to pay, and it will mean less money in the summer to put away for the next winter. It's a business of two halfs, I have never experienced anything like it.

So, the idea was to bring the shop back to life over the 6 cold months, and re-organise for the summer season. Therefore, we are still making money through the winter, and I can keep hold of the same staff.

I have been thinking alot about what is needed on the street and it's hard to tell.

The footfall might not be great however, between 3-5 all the kids finish school, and few buses drop them off right infront of the shop. Many also walk past on foot. It's a busy main road, with parking in front of the shop, and just across the road. There is also a bus stop just in front of the shop which, I sometimes thinks blokes the view from the road. But I should be able to make use of these waiting customers. I am sure they will need something before they get onto the bus.

It's about maximising what we have around us.

[Titchimp]

Be very careful when you make this decision, what happens if an old customer comes past the shop? How will they know you have not closed the fishing for good?

[ballymoremonty]

Could you expend to be a more 'outdoor' shop. Loads of outdoor activities, shooting, canoeing, walking etc. that go on in winter months.

[YorkieBoy]

Hi,

Can you put in a vending machine for snacks or possibly hot drinks?
What about small item winter stuff like thermal gloves, beanie hats, scarves, thermal base layers etc or cheaper waterproof jackets/kagools etc. As well as a different line this might compliment with people who fish in bad/cold weather.

[Dorey]

sell to a variety of sports, not just fishing. Try (as others said) tents or sleeping bags and survival gears or something.

[Declang]

From a non fisher point of view after walking past that shop over the past few months/years etc. I wont be paying any attention to it to notice different stock so I would keep on a similar theme.

What about making your own fishing giftsets? No idea what could go in them as I dont fish