Local retailer, 44 Tackle Company, has only been in business for about a year and a half, but they already outgrew their store and had to move to a bigger one. The company billed as Citrus County’s largest selection of fishing tackle, bait and accessories can now be found at 3177 State Road, in a 2800 square foot store that will triple its product showroom.
The fishing tackle industry – like many retail industries – faces very stiff competition from online retailers. So, how does 44 Tackle keep their brick-and-mortar business growing while so many of their potential customers begin their shopping experience on the internet?
Of course, it starts with providing great service and a well-stocked showroom with a wide range of quality products. It also helps that co-owner, Chris Kingree, is a knowledgeable and experienced angler familiar with the local community. None of this matters, though, until you get potential customers to walk through your door. That’s why 44 Tackle also maintains a healthy online presence, and has plans to expand it even further.
“There’s always a way to compete,” Kingree said. “You just have to find your niche.”
Why does a local brick-and-mortar retail store that caters to local shoppers need a healthy online presence? The reason is simple. Today, more than ever, most buying experiences begin online. Let’s say someone in Homosassa wants a new reel for the upcoming season. They are likely to do some research on the internet to find the right reel for their needs, and to find out where they can buy one. In the process of this research, when they find what they want, they’ll see that they can order one from Amazon or eBay, and that may be the end of the search.
On the other hand, if they also see that they can go to a local store just a mile or two away, see the reel in person and hold it in their hands before they make a purchase, that sort of thing still appeals to plenty of people. The trick is to get your name in front of them while they are on the internet, before they just go ahead and order it from one of the big online retailers.
That’s why 44 Tackle Company and other who recognize the importance of not only being online, but being highly visible online, are separating themselves and thriving at a time when online retailers are putting many local shops out of business.
Visit www.citrusbusinessboosters.com for some more great advice, and to see if you can do more to get your name in front of your potential customers before they take their business elsewhere.
(source: http://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/tackle-reels-in-success/article_922f00bc-d4aa-11e7-a3f9-432c5683079c.html)
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