Quote: Originally posted by #dragon# on 18/10/2011
I do not think buying online helps your local stores if the stores do not get sales then they are forced to close(even some large outlets)
because the store cannot pay for itself.
its not a good idea to combine the internet and the store together just to keep the store a float.
This year i think you will see more and more closures due
to less footfall in the stores.
If a caravan/camping shop decides to have website & online shop as well they don't that to 'keep afloat' they do it to progress their business. There were mail order catalogues before the internet. A retail website is just an online catalogue, cheaper to produce & easier & more convenient for the user. 'The internet' is nothing special, its just another way of selling that any business savvy retailer needs to embrace. The only shops that will close are those that fail to meet the needs of their customers.
The camping/caravanning industry does seem one area where smaller independent retailers can compete with the big boys unlike for example, clothing & electrical goods retailing.
Quote: Originally posted by #dragon# on 18/10/2011I do not think buying online helps your local stores if the stores do not get sales then they are forced to close(even some large outlets)
because the store cannot pay for itself.
its not a good idea to combine the internet and the store together just to keep the store a float.
This year i think you will see more and more closures due
to less footfall in the stores.
If a caravan/camping shop decides to have website & online shop as well they don't that to 'keep afloat' they do it to progress their business. There were mail order catalogues before the internet. A retail website is just an online catalogue, cheaper to produce & easier & more convenient for the user. 'The internet' is nothing special, its just another way of selling that any business savvy retailer needs to embrace. The only shops that will close are those that fail to meet the needs of their customers.
The camping/caravanning industry does seem one area where smaller independent retailers can compete with the big boys unlike for example, clothing & electrical goods retailing.
I agree Tentz -
I've only been to a few actual shops as there aren't many locally that I can get to, and unfortunately I've found that several times I've had to walk out again empty handed as they don't have what I am after. Its usually nothing special - may be some ball bungees, Tenaceous tape or a gas cannister. I've not been after a particular branded item that you wouldn't expect all retailers to stock.
We have recently lost "Safari" locally, but to be honest, 99% of the time I would go in in hope and come out empty handed. They were good at some things but hopeless at others. It doesn't take long for customers to try elsewhere in preference to a wasted journey.
In contrast I've been into camping shops whilst on holiday and their ranges have been impressive and enlightened and I can pick up everything I've been after. I've actually come away jealous that they are not local to us. It is these sorts of stores that will survive - and I'm not talking about the big chain stores... and yes, the best I have come across I now buy online from too.
------------- Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 18/10/2011
.... The only shops that will close are those that fail to meet the needs of their customers...
..Or the ones who's bosses realise that they can make their money by getting shot of the shop(and staff!)and relying purely on their website and a few warehouse workers?...
Quote: Originally posted by #dragon# on 16/10/2011
hi bernie i used to work for the jr leisure group three years ago. i am still involved in the industry.
Excelent , please let us know how you are still involved and with which company.
Quote: Originally posted by pepe63 on 18/10/2011
Or the ones who's bosses realise that they can make their money by getting shot of the shop(and staff!)and relying purely on their website and a few warehouse workers?...
I would disagree, if a shop, example, Homesteads again which is also a Swift caravan dealer & service workshop has a good local customer base which supports it not out of loyalty but because prices & stock availability is right then the internet sales business will compliment & not replace it.
It takes brains & expertise to run a caravan/camping retail outlet, if one shop can succeed then so can others. An independent has to succeed because it is usually the owners' only source of income.
When a big group goes down several yrs after buying out other businesses one can't help wondering if its a situation like Rover cars where the directors ran it into the ground for their own greedy ends & walked away with £millions.
Tesco direct do both, over the counter and internet sales
went to the store yesterday and ordered an item that was not in stock, paid for it and was told it would be in the store for collection the next day
so today collection day thought i would check on their internet site, i found the the same item but at a higher spesification £75 cheaper
no contest, cancelled my original order and reordered by phone through their internet site saved £75
i think nowdays you have to cater for people who like to shop in store and on internet sales.
same goes for caravan parts,the showrooms have to make thier mony over the summer months thats why the prices are so high.
but look at some of the internet prices, a lot cheaper
We are lucky in that we have Camping & General near us.
A very large independent company which is significantly cheaper than the outdoor chains, equal to the internet and most importantly have real, knowledgable people to serve you.
I usually buy anything I need from local camping shops - JR Leisure at Radcliffe being the nearest to me, then Camperlands at Manchester and thirdly Riversway Leisure - but if it's something they don't have then I buy online from elsewhere. My drive-away awning was purchased online but only because none of the shops had anything as large or as stylish.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
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Topic: camping and caravan stores and caravan co
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