Is Angler's West on Broadway done?

[tinpusher]

Went by the shop a few weeks ago and it was shut.

[Flyfishin Magician]

I you mean "Anglers West", then yes, it is closed unfortunately. Maynards Autioneers was holding a sale there last Thursday, although I did not go. There's been several posts regarding the store's closure on other forums... :cry: .

[tinpusher]

Thanks for the bad news Magician. I changed the title in case anyone else was browsing the threads. West Coast tackle did'nt sound right and now I know why. Why do all the good guys lose there shops?

[newsman]

Because as one X freind/tackle dealer told me it is a cutthroat business and the ones who succeed stick it to the rest. Not my ethics but that is what I was told. Too bad everyone can't work together so everyone stays a float.

[SalaR]

:? :? It isn't a surprise..although very disappointing...a good idea with too much ego and not enough focus..the BassPro shop will arrive and then we tackle sellers have to really focus on our niche such as Hardy/Greys and Beulah...providing real service and smiles. It is not necessary that a store be located on Main Street anywhere but service and quality with care.The other side of the equation as serious Fly Fishers is to truely suport our local shops... or they won't be there

[parbuster]

First "Ruddicks" closes after all these years now "Anglers West" which now only leaves "Michael & Young" and "Sea Run/Babcock" in the city as true fly shops. Or am I missing someone?

Like every business it is ruthless because there are only so many customers to go around. Where the shops have it tough is that most of their sales are in low end items. Once a customer buys the 4-5 rods he needs plus reels and a few spools then files them with line he's almost set for life. Rod manufacturers hurt the dealer because most provide lifetime repairs at n/c, reels last years and even today's lines last 5 years.

How often do you buy new boots or waders? Every 5 years?

So what's left for the shop owner to sell; flies, fly tieing material, leader, miscellaneous clothing, etc. It's tough to stay in business selling low ticket items. Like other posts before if we don't support the true flyfishing shops and just go to the "budget shops" (no names mentioned) for the sake of saving a few buck we will lose the last of the shops in the lower mainland.

[SalaR]

:? It is truely sad to see these shops going ...and you are correct in your assessment of "lifetime warranties',5 year lines and other such devises that provide the consumer with not too many reasons to visit a shop unless there is chitchat and coffee(free). It is ironic that Hardy has just released a new fly reel called the "Zane TE" priced at a mere $9,600.00 plus the almighty taxes! A good reason to visit any shop I would think....just what I need to fish chum!
I am off to Uculet for a few Hali's,hopefully some Coho on the Fly ,some great photos and enough info' to write an article .
I understand the players at "Anglers West" ,where they must be at and times will get better......small,niche and realistic ...

[Lastcar]

Angler's West did not close due to lack of business or customer support. The relationship between business partners was unhealthy and digressed beyond repair. In an attempt to dissolve the partnership terms were reached and then not entirely upheld ( which legally is not upheld as there is no in between contractually).

The shop and the staff were by far the best in my brief experience in this sport. I have since visited five other shops and have yet to be equally impressed by the comfort created and knowledge demonstrated by the staff at Angler's West.

That all being said Reaction at the Whatcom Rd. 'Mall' is my new and only shop. It opens early and stays open late so you can hit it on the way out of town and grab deisel and eats and be back on the road just like that.

Smoother than the prom queen's thighs if you ask me. They have been super helpful and knowledgeable and offer tons of support.

[uliwon]

I've been away from here for sometime, but wished to weigh in and say a few things...

Thanks Lastcar, you pretty much nailed it on the head. SalaR misses it by a mile...

Partnerships are funny things and everybody says avoid them unless you are absolutely certain it can work...I was pretty certain, and never thought my esteemed partner would so manipulate things to his advantage and spin the tale of woe he did afterwards. It sucks, he's done, I'm screwed...he's got a pocket full of cash, well above and beyond anything fair or reasonable in every profession opinion I sought, but all nice and legal, so he feels justified....he just can't figure out why nobody wants to speak to him anymore???

As for the shop model, I'll tell you this...ego's perhaps...(ironically it was my partners ego that scared away so many in the beginning I'm told now, I thought it was the his cuff-links and Mercedes out front)...but the shop worked, and worked very well...this had NOTHING to do with business success and everything to do with greed and selfishness. end of story

[SalaR]

Uliwon...Good to see you back!
....for one to succeed we must try try again...behind every success is a series of mistakes and "failures"...,Partnerships are simple,clarity or your dead! It will never change.............Lawyers always tell us that, yet "we know better"...I also have anger from a very similar experience a few years ago...different business yet I left the door open and my back wasn't covered..ouch!!!
The big stores are coming...they could care less...I like cigars,leather,wood floors,too much stuff and of course,fish tales...
By the way,the rivers are blown out over here...badly again,,almost too much. Perhaps casting to Steelhead in open slots on frozen Ontario and New York State rivers wasn't too bad afterall? ...."No," a correct decision was made...