I visited Gander Mountain (Castleton) around 5:30pm last Sunday for a non-firearms purchase. Half hour before closing, very few shoppers in the store, but close to a dozen folks at the gun counter. It's like that every time I go there. I learned long ago that there are numerous better options for buying a gun, so it makes me wonder why GM's gun counter is so busy. Selection? (no advantage vs. PSS & Bradis, just to name two) Service / knowledgeable help? (no gunsmith on site, no geniuses work there, but no former black ops guys either) Price? (rarely competetive, except maybe vs. Don's) So, why are they busy? I think that advertising is a factor, but beyond that, it seems like the biggest difference is that the place is well lit, clean, and non-threatening. I've got to admit that my first visit to most gun shops is a bit intimidating - dirty, smoke filled, the occasional inattentive or people-skills-challenged salesman, and not exactly the type of place that makes the wife or GF comfortable.
My intent is not to bash the local shops. I like visiting them (but not with my significant other), that's where I spend my money, and I want them to succeed. With the number of people who are willing to buy guns at GM, it seems like there should be a huge marketing opportunity that the local shops could jump on.
One example of a local shop that seems to "get it" is Midwest in Mishawaka - well lit, well stocked, clean, lots of room, no smoke, clean restrooms. Prices aren't rock bottom, and the service can be hit-or-miss, but most of my experiences there have been good.
Just wanted to throw this out there and see if any of our local entreprenuers see an opportunity.
My intent is not to bash the local shops. I like visiting them (but not with my significant other), that's where I spend my money, and I want them to succeed. With the number of people who are willing to buy guns at GM, it seems like there should be a huge marketing opportunity that the local shops could jump on.
One example of a local shop that seems to "get it" is Midwest in Mishawaka - well lit, well stocked, clean, lots of room, no smoke, clean restrooms. Prices aren't rock bottom, and the service can be hit-or-miss, but most of my experiences there have been good.
Just wanted to throw this out there and see if any of our local entreprenuers see an opportunity.