Any regular tackle shop owner will admit that Sportco and Outdoor Emporium and the likes are great places to buy gear if you are only intrested in price. But when it comes to the service and the knowledge of the employees nothing even compares to a true tackle store.
They get away with the ultra cheap prices by selling the gear for less than cost. Because they sell other high profit items like shoes they can afford this. The super low prices bring in customers who in turn by shoes.
I am in no way going to pimp the place that I work at just because it is against the rules of this bulletinboard but do remember the next time you go to one of these super large stores, the guy ringing you up probally has no idea how to tie an eggloop knot--one time I had a employee of one of these stores come into the shop where I work and he asked me how to tie an eggloop knot. If he does not know how tie a simple knot do you really think he knows the safe routes to take when you go out and float the Upper Sky?? Just something to think about.
Tight Lines
Ryan S. Petzold

[This message has been edited by RPetzold (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by RPetzold (edited 03-07-2000).]