2009.03.10
Breaking news: Roanoke Sportsman's Warehouse closing
Late last night I got a tip that Sportsman's Warehouse in Roanoke would be closing. The news was just confirmed by the company's corporate headquarters.
The Roanoke store is one of 23 locations Sportsman's Warehouse plans to liquidate.
The store opened in the fall of 2007, and was welcomed by the region's sportmen, who had been clamoring for large outdoor retailer.
Timing was difficult, however. Not only did the store open at the front end of what has become a nasty economic downturn, but just a few months later a large Gander Mountain store opened just a few miles away.
Sportsman's Warehouse had plenty of fans in the region. Many sportsmen were grateful for the company's support of local outdoors conservation groups and efforts. For example, they were key supporters for this past fall's Hunters for the Hungry fundraising banquet.
Stay tuned to this blog and to The Roanoke Times Business section for more on this developing story.
In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the news.
I had just discovered the store and really liked it. I hate that it's closing.
Comment by Tommy Nunley — March 10, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Hate to see Sportsman's Warehouse leave. Was by far the best all around outdoors shop in the area. Gander is good. SW is better.
Comment by Dale Harless — March 10, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
What a shame,I was just there Sunday. Ive always thought they had the best service,variety,and prices in town. I know a bunch of guys that work out there that will be looking for jobs.
Alfie
Comment by Alfie — March 10, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
I was in Sportsman Warehouse 2 weeks ago and heard Gander Mountain was going out of business, I must say I really like Sportsman Warehouse and it's knowledgeable people..
But this sad turn of events says a lot, competition is hot and heavy for the buck. Economic loses and a government that steadily believe raising taxes create jobs and it's obviously isn't the answer at all.
Hearing this fine store closing is a plus on deals yet I am angered to hear another American is losing his job.
The Fair Tax is the only viable solution to stem the flow of this worsening economy.
Mark it's hard to talk about the outdoors when another family is facing an uncertain future, don't get me wrong I'm not criticizing just this is terrible to hear.
Comment by Static lines — March 10, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Sad to hear this is happening, but I have to admit I can still go to Wal-Mart or other online retailers and get the better deal. I have made purchases out there and Gander Mountain but I shop around and if it's cheaper elsewhere then I've got to go with the deal. How will this effect the ticket sales for the upcoming banquet to help get the Roanoke Valley chapter of the NWTF going again? They were the contact point to get tix correct?
-Good question on the NWTF banquet, Jim. I will call Crystal Hockenberry, the point-of-contact for the NWTF banquet and see what the impact will be. I imagine the store will be open through that banquet date (it's not even a month away) but they may be so busy with liquidation stuff that helping out with NWTF is not practical. Stay tuned. mt
Comment by Jim Basham — March 10, 2009 @ 11:19 pm
Sad to see it go. Gander Mountain has terrible customer service and now we will have to deal with higher prices too. I might have to go back to driving to Bass Pro. Sorry to see you go Sportsman.
Comment by Stonewall — March 11, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Hate to see it going, now Gander Mountain--will really raise its already over priced inventory even higher.
Comment by scott — March 11, 2009 @ 8:15 am
Mark,
Losing Sportsman’s Warehouse will be big blow for the Roanoke Valley. Not only the lose of jobs, but they have been a much better neighbor than Grander Mountain. Sportsman’s was a tremendous supporter of our local Trout Unlimited Chapter as well as many other local sporting groups. Some of their employees gave much of their own time in support of Project Healing Waters, a group that is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans through fly fishing. They will be truly missed.
Comment by Jack Ward President of Raonake Valley Trout Unlimited — March 11, 2009 @ 10:03 am
This is horrible! I would drive from Lynchburg just to stop in and look around at Sportsmans Warehouse, not even making a purchase. I did make plenty of purchases though, and felt good about getting a good price on what I needed. GRander Mountain is right, I too will have to begin making the 2 hour trip to Richmond's new Bass Pro shop.
My best wishes and thoughts of good luck to the local employees. Thank you for your helpfulness in store and your aforementioned dedication outside of work to help keep the Sportsman's playground (the outdoors) what it is.
I find it hard to believe that the store couldn't sustain the necessary cash flow to keep itself alive. Perhaps there were other reasons motivating the decision. Either way we have definetely lost a great asset in our region.
Comment by Matthew Craig — March 11, 2009 @ 11:37 am
Sportsmens is the only place to find a good selection for reloading, though lately that has been bare. Also the best place for waterfowl equipment. I'm not a big fan of Gander, they seem extremley overpriced at the items I looked at.
Comment by TScottW — March 11, 2009 @ 11:47 am
I just heard the news last night as well. This is truly a shame to the sportsmen of SW Virginia. The staff were always pleasant and the prices were very reasonable unlike their close competitors, Gander Mountain. Good luck to the folks that will be looking for new jobs.
Comment by Donnie Wright — March 11, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Regarding Jim Basham's earlier question about the Roanoke Valley NWTF banquet, I just spoke with Crystal Hockenberry at Sportsman's Warehouse and she informed me that she remains a point of contact for the upcoming banquet. She won't be selling tickets out of the store, but can help people arrange ticket purchases. Her number at the store is 366-9700.
The NWTF banquet committee also will not be holding their meetings at the store any longer. The upcoming meeting has been moved to Corned Beef and Co. (the banquet location). It will be Thursday (March 12) at 6:30 p.m.
mt
Comment by Mark Taylor — March 11, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
Was Sportsman's Warehouse not owned by Bass Pro Shop????
-No. It's an independent company. mt
Comment by Boyd — March 11, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
Mark,
A sad event for sure but not a surprising one. I think we all really wondered if there was enough outdoor business for 2 decent sized retailers. And probably during hunting season there is, but what about paying the bills the rest of the year? I really do not like to go to Dick's as they seemed to have moved more towards golf than hunting or fishing and do not have the knowledgeable staff. Now we all know why Cabela's and BPS haven't already opened a store here-they have done the homework. Although I would love to ask Cabela's what Dundee Michigan has that Roanoke doesn't.
I have not found the service at Gander Mountain to be as low as other comments I have read. I have found, overall, that GM prices are higher. And, their #1 competition in the valley will fold, making us all wonder if we go to Richmond, or Charlotte for a BPS or Hamburg Pa. for Cabela's. Wal-Mart's prices cannot be beaten, and that won't change. But it is extremely frustrating, how many times are they out of stuff and aren't getting any more in? Try buying late season black powder stuff there and tell me what is left on the shelf.
Mail order affects things too. I am a regular Cabela's customer and they have been pretty agressive on their sales stuff. Discounting stuff that they usually can get full retail on. Things are tough all over. Truth is, Sportman's WH neighbor Home Depot is on "Circuit City" type ground nationally. That end of the city may look like a ghost town before the recession is through.
I hope all of the good people at this store can find work.
Bob
Comment by BobH — March 11, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
I am devastated to hear this terrible news! I really enjoyed going in there and tried to do my part giving them my business. They had fair prices and very friendly and helpful staff. Gander Mountain surely wasn't hurting their business though. Everything at GM is extremely overpriced and you never see anyone buying anything there. Dick's is a jock shop and Wal-Mart has disminished sporting goods to almost nothing.
You can still get a good deal on reloading supplies and guns at Roadside Guns in Montvale, Shooters in Daleville and Trader Jerry's in Salem. I'll be giving my business to these local stores when I can. I suppose I'll have to order everything else online.
I wish all the employees at Sportsman's Warehouse my best and I hope they are able to find work soon.
Comment by Anthony Brown — March 11, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Thanks, everybody, for your comments.
I am going to be sorry to see Sportsman's Warehouse go. I knew a bunch of the people who work there even before the store opened, and I have met a bunch more since they opened. Their customer service has always been great. I will say there was one particular section manager who was really nice but seemed pretty clueless about his/her area of responsibility. But it wasn't for a lack of trying. My general feel of the place was that it was like your local hunting and fishing store, except really big.
I also was impressed that Sportsman's Warehouse made such an effort participating in local conservation group fundraising efforts and connecting with sportsman's groups in general.
I don't get involved in our advertising business but I do try to be observant. One thing the store's first manager told me was that SW does little local advertising. The thinking is that they connect with the community -- in part through those efforts supporting conservation groups noted above -- and that helps keep people coming in. Maybe in boom times and if you're the only game in town that philosophy can work. But when times are tough and you've got a big competitor that is advertising (and whose store is more visible) it seems to me a smart advertising campaign might help get people in the door.
No doubt, they've had some inventory challenges. Apparently the credit crisis was pretty hard on them. It was my understanding that when the stuff hit the fan last year, these guys were dealing with a bunch of vendors who wanted to be paid up front. I don't know enough about the retail business to know how common that is, but it stands to reason that when a vendor goes from giving you 30 or 60 days to pay your bill to wanting the money now, that's going to add challenges.
As for Gander Mountain, I'm not going to bash them. I can't say that I've had a bad customer experience there. The prices do seem a bit higher on some stuff, but they do have a low price guarantee. (Not that I've tried it.) I've gotten to know a couple of the associates and they are quite helpful. I would suggest that if you go there and aren't satisfied, seek out the manager and let him know. That's how stuff gets fixed.
mt
Comment by Mark Taylor — March 11, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
I'm so sad to hear this news. From what I read here and my own personal they were the best of the three. Dicks just had little of what interests me. Gander is better but I haven't had the best of service there. Tried to buy a GPS there last year and after waiting over 20 minutes to get someone to unlock the case and do whatever else they have to do I left and have not been back. I for see Camping World to be next. They just have bad timing. Look at all the campers they have. I love camping and it's what interests me the most and I have no use for CW. They don't have much inside unless you have a RV or camper. They are way over priced. More than double than Gander on propane. When they had their grand opening I checked out a pop up camper. Then went to Mount Joy and saw the same year and model in better shape for $3,000 less. Sorry I got a bit off topic here.
As I said I love camping. The first time I walked into SW I was amazed on the vast selection of the camping related stuff they have. I have always been offered help. Even when on the second floor looking at canopy someone came up on their own and offered help. I even planed on buying a John boat from them when the time was right. They were a bit pricey on somethings (I will never understand the pricing on refillable propane tanks. Bigger cheaper smaller more expensive) but not that bad in general. Where will I go now for camping supplys outside of what little Walmart sells.
To Jim I to use be that way about Walmart. But have you looked at the quality of their Ozark Trail brand. JUNK!!! Purchased a tent years ago. Like it's size and how it was layed out. But fell apart the second year and was taken care of. Tried a few other OT items and about the same.
I would like to know if it was lack of business. 1yr 4 months. Sure didn't give it long. Another big new building to sit empty.
Sportsman's will be truly missed.
-- Mike -- You're right about the selection of camping gear at SW -- a nice variety of stuff that appealed to everyone from casual car campers to hardcore backcountry types. As for other options, have you checked out Outdoor Trails in Daleville? They're right off the AT (at Botetourt Commons mall) so there is a fairly strong emphasis on backpacking stuff. But they have a good selection of general supplies. (Not sure about propane, though!) And their prices seem reasonable. As you would expect from a locally-owned specialty store, customer service is top notch. Thanks for the comment. mt
Comment by Mike D — March 12, 2009 @ 2:43 am
Mark,
Since consumer interest drives the economy I don't think we can blame manufacturers or vendors for the closing of Sportsman's Warehouse. People for the last six months have been holding onto their cash. Product hasn't been moving off the retail shelves thus stayed up to the material handling racks in manufacturer warehouses.
Its hard to place blame on vendors (manufacturers) for the demise of SW. The orders for the products you see in SW are done almost a year in advance to stock their stores. These orders are bought at high volumes and prices are agreed upon (much to the chigrin of the Manufacturer) so that cost savings can be passed on to the consumer. Meeting these kind of production numbers takes planning and considerable thought.
If inventory stocks are low for specific products (because it is selling to the consumer) I find it hard to believe that vendors are asking for upfront payments rather than traditional (and extended) terms of 30, 60, 90. Large box retailers dictate the negotiating process from the beginning...not the other way around. It is a dream come true for most manufacturers to get into a big box retailer. Large orders mean need for higher production which mean jobs... which is good.
It is my understanding that Gander, Bass Pro, Cabelas, WalMart and Sportsman Warehouse had lowered or stopped orders altogether on new product in the fourth quarter in order to come up with a solution that would keep them in business. The first quarter was not kind to most retailers and the effect is felt all the way up the supply chain.
The fact remains that these are trying times. We are all going to have to work on ways to get through this economy the best way possible. The best way to keep a store in Roanoke is to support it by buying there. I know we can be thrifty but without people going in and buying (not just tire kicking) then the guys upstairs have nothing to base their closures on other than the bottom line.
Comment by FishingForFood — March 12, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
Going back and rereading my post, I realized I thought about alot of stuff but left it out of my statements. Its been a long day...
The way big box retailers work is that they don't use the typical supply chain for their distribution. Because they cut out the middle man (distributor) and go directly to the manufacturer, they are able to offer better pricing in their stores because they don't have to pay the distributors mark up. However, this means they must inventory the product somewhere and this requires their own distribution and storage.
With many retailers not meeting their projections, they are having a hard time paying their total bills to manufacturers. This may be the cause of manufacturers requiring SW to pay up front thus the closing of 23 stores that might be underachieving or don't seem sustainable. Yes, that would make more sense.
While we are still in the first quarter, we need to string a several good months of good solid economic news to get people back out there into retail stores buying product. I hope its sooner than later for us all. Hopefully by the second and third quarter we will see a positive change before more fallout happens in the Valley.
--Thanks so much for your insight, FishingForFood. As an aside to readers, I know the identity of FishingForFood and can confirm that he knows much more about this stuff than most of us. mt
Comment by FishingForFood — March 12, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
I hate to see them go too. They're cheaper that GM but the shelves were always bare! I got a Carhartt belt for Christmas in 07 and had to return it because it was the wrong size. I took it back to exchange it and found they didnt have the one I needed. They gave me an in store merchandise card in stead. As of 2 weeks ago, the same 2 black Carhartt belts, size 38, were still on the rack from Dec 07. They NEVER restocked! No one could ever tell me why or when they were going to restock. I decided to get a box of Pyrodex pellets with the card in Dec of 08 and they were out....none in the store, and still out. I'm not suprised to see them close. I hate to see it, but not suprised. Bad location too!
Comment by chuck sharp — March 13, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
Mark
A sportsman Warehouse in Texas last year had a going out of business sale closed in 4 weeks instead of the 3 month time limit.
And being in there last night stuff is really moving fast.
Comment by Stactic Lines — March 14, 2009 @ 11:58 am
SW, then Gander, in our backyard. No more drives to Charlotte (BPS) or Richmond (Green Top); no more postage and backorders (Cabelas)...ah, what a dream it was...
Daggone it!!!
Comment by botetourtsteve — March 16, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Sportsmans Warehouse has made it their business to move into small towns all across america and drive the local small dealers out of business. Sportsmans warehouse is not a friend of small town america, the owner of the company has been very outspoken about how he enjoys putting small mom and pop shops out of business. Go back to your roots and support the local guys that through sheer guts and determination have outsurvived the big box scurge.
celebrate the little guy.....
Comment by john — March 24, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Sportsmans Warehouse would have been better off building in the New River Vally In my opinion. say Christiansburg for example the only competition they would have had would have been Dicks which wouldn't have been much. and with the New River and Claytor Lake close by they would have gotten more business. Maybe not all is lost hopefully this company will come in and take interest in this SW http://www.ufa.net/inTheNews/archive/sportsmanWarehouseUS.html
Comment by Leon — March 26, 2009 @ 11:16 am
The UFA deal isn't looking like a very good deal for Sportsmans Warehouse. As I understand, UFA and another private equities firm, were supposed to come in and buy majority interest in SW. But that deal fell through when UFA walked away from the deal.
The latest deal worked out with UFA is that they purchased only 15 stores. I wonder if it looks more like UFA is positioning themselves for takeover in the event that SW can't turn things around. I don't know and not sure why UFA would only by 15 stores. The bigger question is can SW use that capital to save itself?
SW filed for Chapter 11 to restructure recently. Their released plan is to operate only 29 stores, selling 15 stores to UFA, and shutting down 23 stores then liquidating (one of which was in Roanoke). Lease agreements in the hundreds of millions seem to be a target in the restructure to reduce liabilities.
I guess we will have to wait and see how this whole thing shakes out.
Comment by FishingForFood — March 26, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
Went out there again today and still do not see any deals to excite me. Most item are still only 10% off. The same as it was when I went out there two weeks ago. Only went out there because of their radio ad of up to 40% off. Not much at that discount. I also think they have pulled a Circuit city and raised their prices on somethings. I'm fairly sure the john boat I looked at two weeks ago was $699. Now it is on sale for $719 reduced from $799. I maybe wrong but I fairly sure. I know the 1lb bottles of propane when up from 2.69 to 2.89. I may seam stuck on the propane bottle thing but it's the easiest thing for me to track the price.
Comment by Mike D — March 29, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
Mike,
I was out at Sportsman's Warehouse Sunday, as well. I had seen a manager quoted in Jenny Kincaid Boone's retail column in The Roanoke Times that "everything was at least 30 percent off."
I'm not sure who got it wrong, but someone did. A few things had been further reduced, but a lot of stuff is still just 10 percent off.
Now, I've paid full price for plenty of stuff at SW. But now that they're liquidating, I feel compelled to look for deals. I just don't feel obligated to help them pull in extra cash at this point. After all, they're quitting on this market, not vice versa.
I had to laugh at the wording on all those hanging signs. They read: "Everything at least up to 30 percent off."
So, basically, you could have almost everything discounted 1 percent and as long as you have one thing 30 percent off that would be technically accurate.
If the plan is to sell everything before they close, some deeper discounts are invevitable. I would expect them to hit soon.
mt
Comment by Mark Taylor — March 31, 2009 @ 7:54 am
I was in SW 2 weeks ago and they said their plan is to close the doors on May 15th, so the big discounts are yet to come!
Comment by Jay Furick — March 31, 2009 @ 10:37 am
The old word play trick. Kind of like the pizza deal I got burned on at Papa Johns. "Two large one topping pizzas $10 each" The word "each" in small black letters on a dark background. SW and the "up to 30% off". They know how to write this stuff that people will only hear the best parts unless you actually pay close attention. Just human nature. I got a laugh that they use the word "everything" then follow it with "except guns and ammo".
I will admit they were high priced on somethings. Example: I got a hot shower that runs off propane and D battery's (the only reason I need the 1 lb bottles) from Walmart (UUGGHH) for about $89. SW sells the exact same unit for $129. That's a big difference. They are a big box store too so you would think they could do better. But I think most things were in line.
Comment by Mike D — April 1, 2009 @ 2:27 am
I was at Sportsman's Warehouse today and they have placed a 10 DAYS LEFT sign in the store. The unfortunate end is near.
Comment by Gmc — April 17, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
I was at SW yesterday, very little is left to remind you that it was major player in hunting scene in the Roanoke Valley.
There is still a lot of Fishing supplies, about 20 riffles in the .300 short magnums.
When me and my wife left she sat in the car quiet not saying anything for about five minutes....
Till she said it seems like it was just yesterday when they opened and you couldn't wait to see what they had on sale. It seemed like yesterday you bought this and that for fishing and hunting.
Just then a tear streaked her cheek. She asked me isn't it hard watching the store being closed.
I told her it's always hard when you loose a friend.
Thank you Sportmans Warehouse.
Comment by Static Lines — April 23, 2009 @ 9:14 am
I passed SW today and they are now closed. It was late afternoon the parking lot was empty and the store was dark. There was a sign under their sign that said space available.
--Thanks for the update, Mike. The end of an era, albeit a short one. mt
Comment by Mike D — May 1, 2009 @ 1:20 am
Did any of the former SW employees go to Gander Mountain to work? Maybe they can help get that store up to a higher standard for the true outdoors persons to shop at? I sure hope so!
Comment by Gmc — May 28, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
That's some really bad news, but with GM closing nothing is surprising me anymore. Here's to hoping those employee's gain employment soon.
--Um. GM isn't closing. At least not yet. mt
Comment by Jordan — June 2, 2009 @ 10:28 am