Leave only footprints...?
Until recently Bury St Edmunds' outdoor needs have been met by a Millets and an independent outdoor retailer, Stepping Out. Now this sleepy market town has been targeted by Cotswold, and last week Blacks opened a store.
Given that Suffolk is not exactly blessed with lakes and mountains, you might think that the market for specialist outdoor gear is a bit limited - and you'd be right. In trying to woo customers from rival Cotswold, Blacks have got themselves in hot water - and they'll need plenty of it too! And a scrubbing brush.
Have a look at this story from the local paper - it really made me chuckle.
Given that Suffolk is not exactly blessed with lakes and mountains, you might think that the market for specialist outdoor gear is a bit limited - and you'd be right. In trying to woo customers from rival Cotswold, Blacks have got themselves in hot water - and they'll need plenty of it too! And a scrubbing brush.
Have a look at this story from the local paper - it really made me chuckle.
posted by Phil at
Friday, May 22, 2009
4 Comments:
Made me chuckle as well. Don't Blacks own Millets?
I feel for Stepping Out, independent dealers need all the support they can get. It's a bit like Tesco arriving in a small town - one minute small traders are providing a good service to the local population, the next moment their shop fronts are boarded up.
Agreed John. Stepping Out are well tuned to the local market and stock more specialist stuff like Paramo, so Millets were never any competition (different market). I'll ask them about Blacks & Cotswolds next time I pop in. Hopefully they will continue to develope their own niche in the market.
Hi Phil
Painted footprints probably seemed like a good idea at the time!!!A good inivitive approach and business acumen!!
Still, with hindsight.............
Remember, competition only offers a choice, it doesn't force the consumer to use the multi-nationals.
Amusing all the same.
David H
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