ShopTalk: Mom and Pop Pro Shops

[Arniesclubs]

Here in the Midwest Mom & Pop Pro Shops are going out-of-business at a
record pace


Any ideas of why? Competition from big box stores, lack of fitting, repair? Undercapitalized? Margins are very low on Pro line clubs, balls, bags, accessories. Even with Minimum Advertised Price Programs there is too much wheeling and dealing. Horse trade "trade in" policies, end of season clearances (Midwest, put away your white shoes after Labor Day - including golf shoes). Competition in clothing from Mass and Dept. Stores. "Rent a set" return policies.

How about some "business" discussion here? Retail climate is changing in every industry!  What happened to your town's Mom & Pop hardware store, Drugstore, Appliance Store, Houseware/Kitchen Store, Carpet Store, etc.?  It all comes down to offering Service, Price, Convience, Value, Value and Added Value.Expertice is a major part of value and Honesty never killed a sale. You can't make it today if you expect to "throw open your doors" and offer name brand at "the lowest price in town" because there will be someone down the street who will beat your price and lure in the customer in with "balls below cost"!  My balls don't come cheap and they are not for sale!  I can't afford to lose them!

Arnie