BPS Classic - dissapointing turnout 2024
crankbait2009 reply :
I went to the BPS classic this past Saturday (2nd day of the event). Usually go this time every year. Since I started going a good 5-6 years ago, I have noticed the crowds are becoming less and less. I realize the sale items are the same every year. No great deals to be had. Sure you have the lures that are a buck or two off. And the plastic baits that are a certain % off. But certainly nothing that would make me rush to the store. I usually go to pick line up or lures I lost in the last season. Normally I could just buy random stuff and easily spend $200.
I spent $50 on some line and a few lures. But a new hat was more than half the cost of the hole trip. I was kinda disappointed. Was hoping for a more exciting trip. Guess I was the reason for that......I could have spent more money on stuff I didn't need.
Oh, and needless to say I had to wait in no lines, and certainly didn't have to rub elbows with anyone going up and down the aisles. That was surprising as well.
sean55337 reply :
We don't have one here in MN but I looked at their website. Must say, I am not very impress. Some of the sale items, I think you can buy online for same price at Ebay, TW, etc..
Darren. reply :
Agreed. Last couple of years it has gone downhill
in my estimation. The offerings are just not as
compelling to me. I will still try to get to this years'
Classic, but nothing jumped out at me from the
flier to get me pumped about it.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The one item I really wanted, a store brand reel, they didn't have any in stock. Pretty disappointing.
Preytorien reply :
I've never been impressed with the classic sales. It's always the same turn off for me....when it comes to gear, tackle, and rods/reels, they push almost exclusively BPS brand items. I'm not knocking them, my Carbonlite combo is one of my favorites, but I'd like to see more assortment. I'm also in the same boat as you all that the prices aren't really really enticing enough for me to make the 1.5-2 hr drive to see it. A lot of the items in our local flier were just listings, they weren't even on sale.
Darren. reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 1:08 AM, Preytorien said:A lot of the items in our local flier were just listings, they weren't even on sale.
Yes! Not sure what Johnny Morris is up to...
The Classic sales (for me) started going downhill
a couple years ago when they shortened it, and
reduced the amount of stuff on sale. I'm sure it
was a business decision, but I wonder what their
stats are now compared to then.
BrianinMD reply :
Not a fan of Bass Pro anyway, nothing about this sale interest me enough to go. Would much rather order or shop at other places.
lo n slo reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 1:14 AM, Darren. said:Yes! Not sure what Johnny Morris is up to...
makes you wonder doesn't it?
The Fisher reply :
No inventory and looks like they are just trying to clear out house brands. Even at BPS sale prices, TW regular prices are cheaper in most cases plus no tax.
S. Sass reply :
I was considering picking up a couple a new BPQ reels if what I had read here was correct that this is when they have them dirt cheap. I haven't seen any dirt cheap ones but I didn't even stop when I drove by yesterday because the online ad didn't show anything more than what was discussed in this thread. 
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I get gift cards from family that don't fish themselves. I'll go during the sale to maximize the gift but that's about it.
crankbait2009 reply :
Does Cabelas do this type of thing each year?
flyfisher reply :
I think the sales are designed to get the more newbie fisherman in the store. They see it as an opportunity to upgrade gear or get started and for that purpose, you can get some decent stuff. I am pretty specific in what i like to use and i do usually pick up terminal tackle during the sale but that's about it. I do know one year i picked up about 3-4 rods that with the rod trade in and i think mail in rebates were really good deals, same deal with reels one year too. Now, i am pretty set so the "need" for new stuff just isn't there for me. I'd rather go fishing than walk around a store..
Phil_NH reply :
I went on Saturday and it was fairly crowded by about 11 ish.
The good-
-Best discounts seemed to be on soft plastics. Zooms were 25% off and Yum packs were 1.99
-There was a combo BPS qualifier reel and carbonlite rod for $99. Not the greatest gear ever but a hell of a deal.
The Bad-
-There was no really exciting deals. All the fine quality rods were just normal price.
-A lot of the Topwater lure (Frog/Spooks/Poppers) were not on sale at all. Love topwater and I was bummed out.
-No deals on Kayaks.
-Discounts were not great with like a dollar off overpriced lures.
roadwarrior reply :
Well, you really don't even need to shop all over the internet to find more selection, better prices, free delivery and no sales tax.
On top of that, the holiday sales are killer!
eyedabassman reply :
I have been going to the Spring Classic and doing seminars for my sponsor's for the last 20 years.And I can remember the vendors being there in there booths and you could talk to the reps and handle all the new stuff.And the crowds where elbow to elbow.Now it is like a ghost town. BPS priced the vendors out by charging big money for the space.And not all the stores had the same dates so more Pro's could come to more stores.Not smart marketing IMO!
Silas reply :
The only reason I ever go is a BISONBURGER and a draft Blue Moon.
Or Samantha my favorite drink maker, makes me her special MARGARITA.
All other stuff comes off Internet.
Outdoor Zack reply :
On 2/15/2016 at 10:58 PM, crankbait2009 said:I went to the BPS classic this past Saturday (2nd day of the event). Usually go this time every year. Since I started going a good 5-6 years ago, I have noticed the crowds are becoming less and less. I realize the sale items are the same every year. No great deals to be had. Sure you have the lures that are a buck or two off. And the plastic baits that are a certain % off. But certainly nothing that would make me rush to the store. I usually go to pick line up or lures I lost in the last season. Normally I could just buy random stuff and easily spend $200.
I spent $50 on some line and a few lures. But a new hat was more than half the cost of the hole trip. I was kinda disappointed. Was hoping for a more exciting trip. Guess I was the reason for that......I could have spent more money on stuff I didn't need.
Oh, and needless to say I had to wait in no lines, and certainly didn't have to rub elbows with anyone going up and down the aisles. That was surprising as well.
I went for the first time ever on Saturday. Not impressed by the sales on tackle. But I listened to a good seminar and got a new shirt, so I guess I can't complain...
Fishin' Fool reply :
I went to BPS on Friday and bought nothing. I bought a GLX online on Saturday so I had money to spend. But BPS had nothing to offer me. Too bad their loss.
junyer357 reply :
I went as well and was disapointed too. I picked up a few things but not much. Just a few new cranks and found a pack of 6/0 trokars for $3. Most everything else there is way too overpriced for me. Wanted to pick up a spool of sufix but it was $3-4 a spool higher for a 330yd sppol compared to pretty much everywhere else. Its really not worth the hour drive anymore to go anytime for me. I can go to acadamy any day and find waht i want for less.
lo n slo reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 2:20 AM, crankbait2009 said:Does Cabelas do this type of thing each year?
i was on their site yesterday snooping around. they had some kinda sale going on. i like their painted bullets, which are not on sale btw. not sure about any in-store sale.
Hookem Hank reply :
I went Saturday even though I had visited my local tackle shop and took advantage of their sale the day before so I wasn't expecting to spend much if anything. This was the first year I have gone to the classic sale and I was not impressed. I like going to the store but I was not in awe of the sale. I tend to shop more at my mom and pop store and TW. If they would price match they would have allot more business in my opinion. I purchased a beer coozie, BPS brand split ring pliers/braid cutters, and a Whopper Plopper. The coozie and pliers were on sale but was nothing that caught my attention.
eyedabassman reply :
Mr. Morris should read all the posts on here and maybe,just maybe a light would go off in his head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
blckshirt98 reply :
A couple of local tackle shops have better sales in the springtime (buy 4 get one free on plastics, 15% off all reels, 20% off all rods, 20% off hardbaits/swimbaits, no tax storewide, etc) that I usually hit up. BPS' trump card has always been their floor space and the selection/inventory they can carry, but it sounds like they're dropping the ball here on that.
eyedabassman reply :
Back in the day when it was a good time and the crowds were bi! Bass Pro would treat all the vendors and the Pro Staff,seminars speakers to a great lunch with a chief cutting prime rib,them were the days when Mr.Morris took good care of the people that helped him sell product.One year i sat and ate lunch next to Jimmy Houston and we had a great time and that was the last time that they did lunch! Too Bad!
Mosster47 reply :
I was at the San Jose one for the opening day of the sale. I bought a Browning baitcast that wasn't on sale and I didn't get a military discount on it either. Apparently military guys don't use reels. I bought whatever the highest end Johnny Morris rod is and the discount was less than the military discount. I got some Speed Shads at a really good price though, and they didn't offer a military discount to the sale price.
If I didn't just happen to be in the area for work I would have never went. I haven't bought anything from them in years. TW is cheaper 99% of the time and they give me a 10% military discount on absolutely everything even if it's on sale. I shant stray again.
Darren. reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 3:03 AM, eyedabassman said:I have been going to the Spring Classic and doing seminars for my sponsor's for the last 20 years.And I can remember the vendors being there in there booths and you could talk to the reps and handle all the new stuff.And the crowds where elbow to elbow.Now it is like a ghost town. BPS priced the vendors out by charging big money for the space.And not all the stores had the same dates so more Pro's could come to more stores.Not smart marketing IMO!
THIS is what I remember. Elbow-to-elbow crowds, sales reps
from Daiwa, Shimano, local guys, etc. Spot on, mate.
UKCATSBASSER reply :
A SK 1.5 flat is almost $7.50 !!!
other places are hovering a touch over $5.50!
robster80 reply :
last year i blew a good bit of $ there but this year the ONLY thing i bought was a terminator walking frog on sale for a couple bucks off retail. saw a bunch of folks grabbing the pq/carbonlite combo. other than that all i really noticed was the typical sale on some of the bps hardbaits and some plastics but nothing crazy.
Allen Der reply :
I go multiple times every year but mostly because I live 5 minutes away. I usually do at least 1 rod trade in but i've pretty much run out of cheap old rods to trade in. my store was about as crowded as usual and they were sold out of most of the Sufix 832 and speed shads that i wanted to get. Went home with a new 8wt Mojo Bass fly rod though!
atcoha reply :
I don't go to the "events", but I stopped in a local bps on Friday...looking to buy "something". I was so under impressed, I left with nothing.
The sales were nothing to drive over there for, I just happened to be right there. Only thing I saw worth getting was the tungsten bullet weights on sale for $4.29, but I reupped a during the xmas sale at TW.
nascar2428 reply :
Unfortunately BPS is just a destination to me, and the Fishing Classic is just an event at a destination. Really not much of anything on sale, considering how over priced they are to begin with.If you think it's bad now. What's it gonna be like if Johnny gets a hold of Cabelas. I've never been a fan of competing companies buying each other out. The consumer always loses in the end.
RyneB reply :
I'm only going because I have gift cards to spend. I honestly don't even know what I'll get. Pry just some line and hooks
MFBAB reply :
I like to catch a few of the seminars during the Spring Classic if I have the time, but it's very close for me so no trouble to get there.
Robeng reply :
I agree- same every year. Not great discounts. They had Storm Arashi's for $9.24 each. I bought them at Meijers for $2.34 each and 5ft depths at $3.54 each.
Not much in way of true Pros' for seminars. Just locals.
They always reduce the fish cleaning table to $69.99 from $99. Rod wraps were at $3.97- not bad.
Typically, they are not the first to get all the new baits either.
Every year the Johnny Morris baitcast combos for $99. I had $20 in gift cards left over- so I got one. For most part, historically, has good reviews.
Alas, a Cabelas will be opening nearby soon in greater Detroit area.
Bottom line: TW, Overtons, and others online get most of my business.
eyedabassman reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 8:15 AM, RyneB said:I'm only going because I have gift cards to spend. I honestly don't even know what I'll get. Pry just some line and hooks
My Birthday is coming up?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 12:58 AM, Bluebasser86 said:The one item I really wanted, a store brand reel, they didn't have any in stock. Pretty disappointing.
They had the reel I wanted in stock today on my lunch break, all is forgiven.
robster80 reply :
did anyone get a chance to check out those new bps reels. cant remember what it was called. titanium or something
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 10:21 AM, robster80 said:did anyone get a chance to check out those new bps reels. cant remember what it was called. titanium or something
That's the one I bought in the 8.1 ratio. 33 IPT and 19lbs max drag. Going.to be my new frog reel.
robster80 reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 11:12 AM, Bluebasser86 said:That's the one I bought in the 8.1 ratio. 33 IPT and 19lbs max drag. Going.to be my new frog reel.
i glanced at the reels to see if they had the curado 70 and didnt even think to look for the titanium. i may look into getting one myself i need a good 8.1 for flipping or frogging
tbone1993 reply :
Once online shopping became big fishing shows took a nose dive. Many are good but most of their great deals are gone.
ChrisD46 reply :
Poor turnout because over all - the BPS Classic sale offers were not that good as compared to years past .
MDBowHunter reply :
Honestly I've been disappointed with BPS for a couple years now. I only go there if someone gives me a gift card or if I need something now.
0119 reply :
I go to BPS at least 4 times a month. Most of my fishing money goes to Morris. Not because I love BPS but because its the only place to get bass tackle in s.w.Fl.. Locals are only about saltwater and bait. I now have 3 BPS within minor driving time of my home. Tackle warehouse is great but 99.9% of my buying, I want to see it, maybe handle it before I buy. Their choices are getting VERY poor. I don't buy in house brands so big sales on mainland asia reels doesnt draw me. Ive always avoided the big classic kind of sales until this one. It just made sense to me to use the trade in deal and let the gear go to kids instead of trying to sell it to someone who dickers you down and deal with shipping. Honestly I think I got the only 2 rods in stock that werent Abu or BPS brand. The only recognizable pro was Pete Thliveros standing at the lew's reels. Slowly BPS looses me as I increase my use of regionally made baits but its always my place to get shoes and t shirts. I don't expect BPS's college kid employees to give me advise Im not looking to get. But they are always friendly and willingly to help. I can NEVER say that about local mom and pop tackle shops who have ignored me at the register for decades while they gossip with guides. I really can't bad mouth BPS for selling me Chronarch CI4's for $50 off or Loomis rods for $40 off on top of the $ I had in points discount.
stkbassn reply :
I never have been able to go but it doesn't sound like I need to get in a hurry to work it out either. It's a bit disheartening to hear this about BPS but I've never been impressed with their prices or sales. Maybe I once was when they were the top dog but it's been a long time since that was true. They advertise like it's a big family affair and make it seem all warm and cozy like they are here for us but it sounds more like they could care less in reality. Doesn't sound like they take care of their vendors either. Not wise.
BTD, TW, FFO, LCC, Monster, folks here on the Flea Market and a few others get my business and that's just the way it is and will continue to be. This is not to say I don't appreciate our sponsors and wouldn't buy from them, I just haven't directly. I use Z-Man and Seaguar, and soon to use Rage products though!
tomustang reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 3:03 AM, eyedabassman said:I have been going to the Spring Classic and doing seminars for my sponsor's for the last 20 years.And I can remember the vendors being there in there booths and you could talk to the reps and handle all the new stuff.And the crowds where elbow to elbow.Now it is like a ghost town. BPS priced the vendors out by charging big money for the space.And not all the stores had the same dates so more Pro's could come to more stores.Not smart marketing IMO!
I bet 20 years ago there wasn't 70 BPS stores which you wouldn't have to divide venders/sponsors at...
blckshirt98 reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 5:59 AM, Mosster47 said:I was at the San Jose one for the opening day of the sale. I bought a Browning baitcast that wasn't on sale and I didn't get a military discount on it either. Apparently military guys don't use reels. I bought whatever the highest end Johnny Morris rod is and the discount was less than the military discount. I got some Speed Shads at a really good price though, and they didn't offer a military discount to the sale price.
If I didn't just happen to be in the area for work I would have never went. I haven't bought anything from them in years. TW is cheaper 99% of the time and they give me a 10% military discount on absolutely everything even if it's on sale. I shant stray again.
Next time you're in San Jose stop by Coyote Bait and Tackle...they have hands down the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff of any fishing store, if not any store period, I've ever been to. They specialize in bass swimbaits, best selection I've seen at a brick and mortar store so far. Hopefully you'll be in town for their yearly mega sale in the spring!
U-boat Aficionado reply :
When they built the BPS here, must be more than ten years now, everyone was saying it was going to revitalize the area and bring in tens of thousands of tourists. Of course that kind of talk helps get tax breaks and puts money in the developers pockets but in reality its just another store and the novelty wore off, especially after a Gander Mountain opened up then another BPS just an hour away. When I walk in on a weekday it's often like a ghost town.
It seems like they may be a victim of their own success and over expanded. With BPS high prices I usually go just to check out in person what I want then turn to other sources like Amazon for my purchases. Why spend nine bucks for a Rapala when the Walmart has it for six?
I do like they will match any of their online sale prices and that's when I usually make purchases.
Bigbarge50 reply :
Seems like just a few years back they were getting top level pro's to do seminars that were great because you could get lots of access to these guys and ask real questions and get real answers. Now they have some local guys... which nothing against them, but I think shows a lack of effort towards the event. The vendors were also always great to talk to but now are nowhere to be seen. The deals.... well outside of the Yum stuff, not much caught my eye.
I am curious... I thought the purpose of "Big Box" stores was they could deliver cheaper prices because of the sheer volume they handle.... yet BPS is not really providing the value.... Think it is just trying to gouge people or is it because they have their own product lines that other, non-BPS stuff is not really a good value?
0119 reply :
On 2/17/2016 at 2:58 AM, Bigbarge50 said:Seems like just a few years back they were getting top level pro's to do seminars that were great because you could get lots of access to these guys and ask real questions and get real answers.
Well I wouldn't call Peter Thliveros a none top level pro, at least not to his face, he looked pretty tough. Actually while I stood in line for nearly 15 minutes, not a soul spoke to him. Local putz's here wouldn't know a bass pro from a bass. Just a bunch of ignorant shrimp dunkers. That's why the local BPS isnt stocked with good crap. Nobody is willing to pay and all they want is surf casting monster gear and minnow buckets to catch 1/2lb. trout. BPS heck any shop, only is what the customer makes it be. If they're cheap 3 time a year pier fishermen then that's who they're going to cater to.
bowhunter63 reply :
10 years ago the one here in Springfield had Factory Reps every place,They even had a few shuttle cars for the parking lot.Now its just a few guys standing around the fish tank.But one good thing you can talk to the pros alot easier.Johnny keeps raising his prices for sure.Isnt like it used to be.
eyedabassman reply :
Mr. Morris had to put the price of everything up to pay for his Top Of The Rock golf coarse!
Bigbarge50 reply :
On 2/17/2016 at 8:40 AM, 119 said:Well I wouldn't call Peter Thliveros a none top level pro
Yeah no Peter Thliveros at the MD BPS, just crappie madness local pros....If I drove down to BPS in Richmond VA it was also crappie madness but with Ralph Riley. Not quite when I spent the better part of the afternoon with Tim Horton at BPS.
aceman387 reply :
I went on Friday and experienced minimal foot traffic.I picked up a few bitsy bug jigs for $1.69 and went home.
Bankbeater reply :
The last time I went I was not impressed. That was several years ago. I don't think I am missing too much by not going.
blckshirt98 reply :
I have a question for people who did the BPS trade-in - do they give you a physical voucher and is it only good for that particular day? Or can you leave and come back later and use the voucher on an item you may want that's not in stock that may be available later?
U-boat Aficionado reply :
They hand you a slip of paper when you and them a rod or reel. It was a pre-printed form and the woman didn't write anything on it, just tore it off the pad and handed it to me. Didn't really look at my reel, just dropped it in a big bin.
I don't know if it was day specific; I don't think it was but you would need to go in and speak with a manager. Overall it seemed pretty casual.
Tommy X reply :
I was going to head down to PBS this coming Saturday for the trade in deal. I need a good drop shot reel to go with my st croix drop shot rod. I noticed in small print "select reels". So does that mean BPS reels or can you get other brands as well?
I mostly go to bps for the clothes (I really like the Redhead brand) and I'll just pick up some random tackle while I'm there. I seem to buy more tackle at Dicks.
rboat reply :
My local BPS has been very disappointing. I used to spend a good deal of time and cash there. The last 2 years the prices have gone up a significant amount. They also do not have any of the new stuff out. They still do not have stuff from Icast 2 years ago. Nothing from the last Icast at all. They need to be a bit concerned, because Academy is building new stores around the area and Academy has much more variety, new products, better pricing, better staffing and much better pricing on guns. My money goes to ***, or locally to Academy or sometimes Dick's Sporting goods.
BryanBrown reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 1:05 AM, Tommy X said:I was going to head down to PBS this coming Saturday for the trade in deal. I need a good drop shot reel to go with my st croix drop shot rod. I noticed in small print "select reels". So does that mean BPS reels or can you get other brands as well?
I mostly go to bps for the clothes (I really like the Redhead brand) and I'll just pick up some random tackle while I'm there. I seem to buy more tackle at Dicks.
I took advantage of the reel trade-in this year and last year for a Shimano Curado I with no problems.
kickerfish1 reply :
BPS and dissapointment in the same sentence seems about right to me. Outside of seeing something in person before buying it or swapping stories with the locals there I have no real reason to go there any more. It isn't the same store it was 3, 5, or even 10 years ago. Seems like a move on their part to cater to the newbie and budget fisherman. (See their move to discontinue carrying Daiwa products)
blckshirt98 reply :
BPS is very strongly tied to some of the larger brands. Not sure if they worked out really good purchasing deals through volume but you'll see that most of their lures are either Rapala, Berkley, Strike King, or an In House brand, or, soft plastics from the big players (Zoom, Yamamoto, Roboworm). The two DSGs and all of the local tackle shops have a better selection of small-brand or Japanese manufacturers. Unless you're looking for a BPS model rod or reel, the local tackle shops also have a better rod and reel selection.
0119 reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 4:57 AM, blckshirt98 said:the local tackle shops also have a better rod and reel selection.
Maybe where you live, not here. Not by a long shot
Rick Howard reply :
What eats me, is the house brand take overs. Its not limited to one retailer. The places that are suppose to have everything have replaced half the product with their in house brands, which is often what is on sale.
I am not saying that retailers self branded stuff is not good I am just tired of seeing the depletion of everything else to be replaced by their brands.
Allen Der reply :
On 2/18/2016 at 7:44 AM, Rick Howard said:What eats me, is the house brand take overs. Its not limited to one retailer. The places that are suppose to have everything have replaced half the product with their in house brands, which is often what is on sale.
I am not saying that retailers self branded stuff is not good I am just tired of seeing the depletion of everything else to be replaced by their brands.
thank the internet and price matching for that. exclusive products are the only way to make good margins
tracker01 reply :
Stopped in at my (45 mile's, one way) local BPS. Three things on my list. #1 & #2 were sold out. I was told #3 is not carried in the store anymore. I got tired of looking at all their branded stuff and empty peg boards, so I left.
Felix77 reply :
The closest REAL BassPro (not an Outpost) is 3 hours away for me. After last years major disappointment I decided to never go out of my way for their events. Coming in early to buy ProQualifiers which were on sale they were sold out within the hour of opening. It wasn't as if the place was very crowded yet and found it extremely hard to believe. Felt like too much of a bait and switch tactic to me.
0119 reply :
I found the Orlando BPS well stocked but lacking in higher end rods. Pete T. In attendance. Today I hit the Ft.Myers BPS to return the 2 reels I had bought in Orlando. They had a Pure Fishing trailer and tents running. Reps from Penn Berkely and Abu. We talked for almost 2 hours. Enjoyed them a lot. This store is salty in stock but had much more upper end rods. Freshwater stock is improving and I still find them more friendly to deal with than my counties mom and pop stores.
Darren. reply :
Went to the BPS in Hampton, VA this afternoon and it
was a ghost town. I was super disappointed.
I was hoping to buy some Stik-Os, but they're not on
sale until the Classic goes online-only. Used to be more
BPS baits were on some sort of sale, and the Stik-Os
were usually 3 for $10! I know prices rise, but good
grief. Absolutely nothing like before. I realize I went on
the second-to-last day, but it wasn't the amount that
wasn't stocked, it's the lack of items actually on sale.
Ended up using my $10 in points to buy a lone 25 pack
of 1/0 Gamakatsu split/drop shot hooks. And they weren't
even on sale.
Burtonxj reply :
Gonna check the one out in Ashland tomorrow
Darren. reply :
On 2/20/2016 at 5:53 AM, Burtonxj said:Gonna check the one out in Ashland tomorrow
They're much bigger than the BPS in Hampton, which
happens to be (or was) the smallest BPS in the nation!
Either way, the sales are going to be the same. I'd be as
disappointed with the Richmond store as the Hampton
since the items I was really interested in are not on sale
or will be on sale, but online only. Grrr.
bowhunter63 reply :
I went tonight here in Springfield and meet Edwin Evers and some local pros.Not a huge crowd but had some really good seminars.They had a good question and answer after wards.Edwin is a stand up guy and great for the sport.Stocked up on some Rage tails,line and Hooks.One thing you get more one on one with smaller crowds.
Burtonxj reply :
On 2/20/2016 at 7:38 AM, Darren. said:They're much bigger than the BPS in Hampton, which
happens to be (or was) the smallest BPS in the nation!Either way, the sales are going to be the same. I'd be as
disappointed with the Richmond store as the Hampton
since the items I was really interested in are not on sale
or will be on sale, but online only. Grrr.
Yeah, not expecting much. Gonna be in the area so I figured I'd stop by. Have an old Sedona I might trade in. I'll probably just end up grabbing some hooks and weights.
Sam reply :
I hit the BPS on I-95 north of Richmond this Friday and the store was empty.
Picked up some XPS tungsten weights and spoke with three of the guys working the department.
Mr. Bill, the front end greeter, told me that they were bracing for a big Saturday but so far Friday was a bust.
bflp3 reply :
I was really disappointed this year. Last year the PQs were $50 and they had a big section of clearance rods, and this year the PQs were not on sale at all (never seen that) and no clearance rods at all. In fact the only rods I saw on sale was a section of walleye rods. I was looking for a rod trade in but ended up keeping my old rod.
There seemed to be very little actually on sale this year compared to years past, and a lot of their sale prices are normal prices elsewhere. I usually drop a nice chunk of change there every year, but barely spent anything this year.
NorcalBassin reply :
First time I skipped it since the Manteca store opened... just not anything exciting enough for the 3 hour round trip. As others have stated, my two biggest issues are the majority of sale items being house brand and non-house brands often being listed above retail pricing (to in turn sell more of the house brand),
lo n slo reply :
fwiw - we hit the BPS in Concord, NC this morning (last day of the in-store classic). they were honoring the internet classic sale prices (that lasts until 3/9.) you must have the appropriate sale catalog to present at the check out in order to get the deals. btw - we saw old Woo Daves!
camman reply :
I stopped by one on Thursday...its on my way home from work. It was empty this late in the sale and plus it was a Thursday. Only picked up two packs of the BPS Speed Shads to see how well they knocked off Keitech....They still had a decent inventory of everything except maybe Trokar hooks...I agree sales have gotten worse through the years and I'm ok with that, it means I just spend more at TW
Preytorien reply :
On 2/16/2016 at 8:03 PM, MDBowHunter said:Honestly I've been disappointed with BPS for a couple years now. I only go there if someone gives me a gift card or if I need something now.
I agree, and for me it's so bad if people ask where I like gift cards from I tell them several other places on my list before I get to BPS
blckshirt98 reply :
On 2/22/2016 at 10:19 PM, Preytorien said:I agree, and for me it's so bad if people ask where I like gift cards from I tell them several other places on my list before I get to BPS
I used the BPS gift cards I had saved up on a Yeti cooler I don't even need because it's one of the few items that never go on sale anywhere, so getting it at BPS I didn't feel like "I could have gotten it cheaper elsewhere".
greentrout reply :
BPS is headed the way of Cabela's. Too many stores have been built cannibalizing its other business. Too big and lost emphasis on the customer the fisherman. 20 years ago you got a catalog called them on the phone and had the merchandise shipped to you with good deals and fishing was their only business. Then came the stand alone brick and mortar good at first but now has reached a point of diminishing returns. Today they are into clothes, cooking items and other sundry items. Fishing is secondary. Like Cabela's business will suffer and changes will be made -- buyout or strategic repositioning of the company. Wait and see.
0119 reply :
On 2/23/2016 at 11:04 AM, greentrout said:Too many stores have been built cannibalizing its other business. Too big and lost emphasis on the customer the fisherman. 20 years ago you got a catalog called them on the phone and had the merchandise shipped to you with good deals and fishing was their only business. Then came the stand alone brick and mortar good at first but now has reached a point of diminishing returns. Today they are into clothes, cooking items and other sundry items. Fishing is secondary. Like Cabela's business will suffer and changes will be made -- buyout or strategic repositioning of the company. Wait and see.
I'm not sure about cannibalizing their stores but they do seem endanger of over extending themselves by there ever expanding number of stores. He also usually owns the malls that he is connected with through his development company. Now you see his stores being more 'stand alone'. Its frustrating to have to walk through an acre of hot sauce and ladies clothes to find the fishing section which keeps getting smaller and smaller. But I still cannot complain about the prices I find. Never being anywhere near a Cabela's to see a store I only experience them through their catalogs. They seem to offer more in the range of tackle to me. Cabela's did suffer something as Morris did recently try to buy them.
Allen Der reply :
The BPS by me still has a solid fishing department and is 10x better than the cabelas and 100x better than Gander Mtn and DSG. The Walmarts around here have half an aisle of fishing stuff and are worthless. Yes BPS is a little over priced and they primarily stock their rods, but I can live with it for the convenience and their rods are pretty good especially when on sale.
junyer357 reply :
I guess a lot of my dissapointment stems from being spoiled by having acadamy sports close by. Much better regular prices and selection. Just not alot of higher end rods.
cgolf reply :
On 2/23/2016 at 11:04 AM, greentrout said:BPS is headed the way of Cabela's. Too many stores have been built cannibalizing its other business. Too big and lost emphasis on the customer the fisherman. 20 years ago you got a catalog called them on the phone and had the merchandise shipped to you with good deals and fishing was their only business. Then came the stand alone brick and mortar good at first but now has reached a point of diminishing returns. Today they are into clothes, cooking items and other sundry items. Fishing is secondary. Like Cabela's business will suffer and changes will be made -- buyout or strategic repositioning of the company. Wait and see.
The reason that a lot of these stores trend towards clothes is because of the high margin on them. I will say though that I won't go to the new Cabela's here anymore because the fishing section is tiny and it is mostly clothes. The are really missing out on sales to fishermen with 5 trophy muskie lakes within 45 minutes of the store and a strong group of bass and walleye fishermen to boot.
related Fishing Tackle topic
previous topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.