Chicago Strictly Sail was a great sailing show to visit. Noticablly absent this year was West Marine. What is going on at West Marine that they wouldn't have a booth at the show? Is West Marine present at the other Strictly Sail shows around the country?
West Marine - Strictly Sail
- Thread starter RickS
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Varies by district
WM had a booth at the Providence show but didn't at St Pete although there was a big sign at the entrance
WM had a booth at the Providence show but didn't at St Pete although there was a big sign at the entrance
Same for Atlanta!!!!
Yeah, last year at the Atlanta Boat Show West Marine had a booth and were handing out discount coupons by the dozen. In fact the coupons were $20 bucks off any purchase of $75 or more and good for the entire year. Not too bad!! I saved a bundle last year on gear. With that I could'nt wait to see these guys at the show agian, but no such luck this time. The Atlanta show was in early January, so perhaps the new 2007 catalog was not out yet which they could have passed out. In past shows they never brought inventory to sell, only flyers and coupons to get the public into their stores. Times are a changin..... _/) Bob
Yeah, last year at the Atlanta Boat Show West Marine had a booth and were handing out discount coupons by the dozen. In fact the coupons were $20 bucks off any purchase of $75 or more and good for the entire year. Not too bad!! I saved a bundle last year on gear. With that I could'nt wait to see these guys at the show agian, but no such luck this time. The Atlanta show was in early January, so perhaps the new 2007 catalog was not out yet which they could have passed out. In past shows they never brought inventory to sell, only flyers and coupons to get the public into their stores. Times are a changin..... _/) Bob
Where Was?
I too was at the Chicago Strictly Sail Show on Thursday. Has anyone asked WM, why they were not there? I don't think it's because there dying a slow death as stated in a previous post. Some shows have been selling shows and for quite a few years Chicago was not one of them. There was a booth that passed out stickers and coupons in the past. I also was surprised that we were not involved in Chicago. I asked the people that could give me a answer, granted I work for West and have for 10 years and was told that there was some decisions to cut back on non-selling shows. There is nothing cheap about being in these shows. In the past, I was always able to get tickets for my customers that asked me. It was kinda neat as some of the venders that I have grown to know over the past decade gave me a call to see if I needed passes. Through some good friends I was able to fill there need. I really don't see as if this is something to read into. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made and I'm sure this was one of them. I personally was diappointed that the hand lotion/balm Dermatoligist was'nt there. Good Stuff for rough hands. Rob Hessenius
I too was at the Chicago Strictly Sail Show on Thursday. Has anyone asked WM, why they were not there? I don't think it's because there dying a slow death as stated in a previous post. Some shows have been selling shows and for quite a few years Chicago was not one of them. There was a booth that passed out stickers and coupons in the past. I also was surprised that we were not involved in Chicago. I asked the people that could give me a answer, granted I work for West and have for 10 years and was told that there was some decisions to cut back on non-selling shows. There is nothing cheap about being in these shows. In the past, I was always able to get tickets for my customers that asked me. It was kinda neat as some of the venders that I have grown to know over the past decade gave me a call to see if I needed passes. Through some good friends I was able to fill there need. I really don't see as if this is something to read into. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made and I'm sure this was one of them. I personally was diappointed that the hand lotion/balm Dermatoligist was'nt there. Good Stuff for rough hands. Rob Hessenius
WM --- going ??????
Well .. as for ... where WM is headed and why are they dissing their customers ???? check out the record of their new (in 2004) CEO ........ He was at FAO Schwarz and they have closed down most of their stores ... He was with the SF 49ers ... and that organization is a mess and is not interested in their fans .. now WM is headed down the tube .... ridiculously high prices ... absolute ZERO service from most associates ... but no wonder ... salaries in the stores have plumeted .. the only people they seem to attract are part time high school students and a few retired folks. My local WM has gone through at least 4 managers in the last 3 years. WM used to be about customer service and product knowledge. Now you are lucky if the associates know which aisle a product is on much less what it might be used for! It seems that now that WM has a huge market share, they think that they dont have to actually support their customers. hmmmmmmmm ..... did that sound a bit too cynical ?????
Well .. as for ... where WM is headed and why are they dissing their customers ???? check out the record of their new (in 2004) CEO ........ He was at FAO Schwarz and they have closed down most of their stores ... He was with the SF 49ers ... and that organization is a mess and is not interested in their fans .. now WM is headed down the tube .... ridiculously high prices ... absolute ZERO service from most associates ... but no wonder ... salaries in the stores have plumeted .. the only people they seem to attract are part time high school students and a few retired folks. My local WM has gone through at least 4 managers in the last 3 years. WM used to be about customer service and product knowledge. Now you are lucky if the associates know which aisle a product is on much less what it might be used for! It seems that now that WM has a huge market share, they think that they dont have to actually support their customers. hmmmmmmmm ..... did that sound a bit too cynical ?????
Vancouver Boat Show
They were noticably absent at the Vancouver Boat Show that opened today. Last year they had a very large booth. Neil
They were noticably absent at the Vancouver Boat Show that opened today. Last year they had a very large booth. Neil
WM...
...started out with knowledgeable sales people who couldn't do enough to help out with advice and suggestions. Over time that service has diminished. As a result sales are on the decline which leads to lower profits. As a result, there is less money available for things like boat shows which cost plenty of money to attend. Unless there is a dramatic turn around in what made this company climb to the top in the first place, WM stock is not going to worth having. It's not too late but the slippery slope has started and management needs to do something.
...started out with knowledgeable sales people who couldn't do enough to help out with advice and suggestions. Over time that service has diminished. As a result sales are on the decline which leads to lower profits. As a result, there is less money available for things like boat shows which cost plenty of money to attend. Unless there is a dramatic turn around in what made this company climb to the top in the first place, WM stock is not going to worth having. It's not too late but the slippery slope has started and management needs to do something.
Big booth in Toronto.
WM had a 1000 sq.ft. display at the recent Toronto International Boat Show. They have 6 very successful stores in Ontario.
WM had a 1000 sq.ft. display at the recent Toronto International Boat Show. They have 6 very successful stores in Ontario.
Typical retail life span...
they're following. Look at lots of chains that once were good: They're either spiraling downward (ex: K-mart/Sears, Gap, Eckerds), or they get bigger and stronger as the relatively few success stories (Wal-mart, Costco, Target.) As for the shows, it was a disappointment, but if the profits aren't there, they have to cut costs. The least profitable endeavours, stores, mdse lines, etc., have to go. Anyone who knows finances knows the deal. So, you either jump on and beat a crippled name further, or try to do BAU and hope things get better. I've had my issues with West, but having one a few steps from my boat sure makes life easy when I need something. I do not understand why so many people here flame them and seem to want to drive them out of business. If you don't like them, don't go. If you have a specific problem, deal with management - they've generally been responsive in the past. If you think they are dying, don't buy their stock. But why beat them up if/when they are in trouble?
they're following. Look at lots of chains that once were good: They're either spiraling downward (ex: K-mart/Sears, Gap, Eckerds), or they get bigger and stronger as the relatively few success stories (Wal-mart, Costco, Target.) As for the shows, it was a disappointment, but if the profits aren't there, they have to cut costs. The least profitable endeavours, stores, mdse lines, etc., have to go. Anyone who knows finances knows the deal. So, you either jump on and beat a crippled name further, or try to do BAU and hope things get better. I've had my issues with West, but having one a few steps from my boat sure makes life easy when I need something. I do not understand why so many people here flame them and seem to want to drive them out of business. If you don't like them, don't go. If you have a specific problem, deal with management - they've generally been responsive in the past. If you think they are dying, don't buy their stock. But why beat them up if/when they are in trouble?
Info I got...
..says that the Seattle Boat Show broke its all time attendance record with more than 42,000 boating enthusiasts visiting the first four days of the 10-day Seattle Boat Show. On Jan. 27, a total of 15,508 people attended the show, breaking a single-day mark since the indoor portion moved to Qwest Field in 2000. On the water at South Lake Union, a record 5,598 passed through the gates, beating the previous single-day record for that venue as well. So what ever is going on at WM has nothing whatever to do with attendance at these shows.
..says that the Seattle Boat Show broke its all time attendance record with more than 42,000 boating enthusiasts visiting the first four days of the 10-day Seattle Boat Show. On Jan. 27, a total of 15,508 people attended the show, breaking a single-day mark since the indoor portion moved to Qwest Field in 2000. On the water at South Lake Union, a record 5,598 passed through the gates, beating the previous single-day record for that venue as well. So what ever is going on at WM has nothing whatever to do with attendance at these shows.
Wow...that's good to hear
There have been several articles around about the NW being the last affordable boating grounds. Everything else seems to be going shy high or completely inaccessible for the average person. But, attendance isn't the only issue. What we don't know is how expensive (profitable?) WM's booths at the shows actually are. I suspect they are losses for advertising and promotion, and they determined it's not cost/effective or now a lower priority in their budget. All the world sees Times Square every night on the ABC news, but apparently it's not cost effective for everyone to advertise there (or just way beyond their budget.) It might also be a squabble between Strictly Sail and WM - how they share the door proceeds or the cost of sponsorship??? We'll probably never know.
There have been several articles around about the NW being the last affordable boating grounds. Everything else seems to be going shy high or completely inaccessible for the average person. But, attendance isn't the only issue. What we don't know is how expensive (profitable?) WM's booths at the shows actually are. I suspect they are losses for advertising and promotion, and they determined it's not cost/effective or now a lower priority in their budget. All the world sees Times Square every night on the ABC news, but apparently it's not cost effective for everyone to advertise there (or just way beyond their budget.) It might also be a squabble between Strictly Sail and WM - how they share the door proceeds or the cost of sponsorship??? We'll probably never know.
WM in Rockville,MD is going down hill
I shopped at that store while it was BoatUS and still go there as West Marine. It is just up the road from work and makes for a nice lunch break. They have only one person left who has good knowledge of where things are. The inventory is slowing getting worse and they will order for you but somethings are not on the shelve. I would rather shop at Fawcetts in Annapolis and drive the 120mi round trip than goto WM. Jim S/V Java
I shopped at that store while it was BoatUS and still go there as West Marine. It is just up the road from work and makes for a nice lunch break. They have only one person left who has good knowledge of where things are. The inventory is slowing getting worse and they will order for you but somethings are not on the shelve. I would rather shop at Fawcetts in Annapolis and drive the 120mi round trip than goto WM. Jim S/V Java
WM
I worked for West Marine for 10 years and "retired" in March of last year. I worked the Chicago Strictly Sail show for 4 years just before they went to a "non-selling" mode. Each year the company lost money on a cost vs income basis, not counting for the value of just being there. We did actually make a small profit one year when SOS inflatable life vests were first out and we sold a ton of them at a discounted price. The rest of the years was a substantial loss, not counting the advertising benefit. The company is dealing with some large inventory issues, and some other managerial issues. I was only part time, and according to my reviews, a top performer in the store. As of this March, I had not received a payraise that exceeded the cost of living increase for over 3 years. Since I was doing it just for fun and the discount, and my boat has everything I could think of to put on it, I retired rather than deal with the increased demand to "sell" products that the customer did not come in to buy. It just was not "FUN" anymore. I also sold all of my WM stock last year, and I don't plan on buying any more in the near future. Fair winds Dave
I worked for West Marine for 10 years and "retired" in March of last year. I worked the Chicago Strictly Sail show for 4 years just before they went to a "non-selling" mode. Each year the company lost money on a cost vs income basis, not counting for the value of just being there. We did actually make a small profit one year when SOS inflatable life vests were first out and we sold a ton of them at a discounted price. The rest of the years was a substantial loss, not counting the advertising benefit. The company is dealing with some large inventory issues, and some other managerial issues. I was only part time, and according to my reviews, a top performer in the store. As of this March, I had not received a payraise that exceeded the cost of living increase for over 3 years. Since I was doing it just for fun and the discount, and my boat has everything I could think of to put on it, I retired rather than deal with the increased demand to "sell" products that the customer did not come in to buy. It just was not "FUN" anymore. I also sold all of my WM stock last year, and I don't plan on buying any more in the near future. Fair winds Dave
we were effected by the phily store closure
I work around the phily airport area, it was great to be able to drop by that store at lunch and pick up the misc stuff. but they closed that one, now the closest stor, is north to Bensalem, I went there the other day, and that was a haul!,,,the 2 guys were very helpful and knowledgeable. The west on the way to the boat,,,Bear Delaware,,,there are at least 4 people working,,, all chipper and freindly, but as for in depth knowledge Im not convinced..more retail assistance,,,they are happy to order anything for you,,( I can do that myself and have it delivered to the store for free shipping)..my main issue with West has always been their pricing.....For the difference in cost it easily out weighs the shipping costs of online retailers like Defender.....and if we have to talk about driving 120 miles at even $2.06 per gallon that cost is beaten by the shipping charges also.....It looks like more and more retailers are being beat out by on line stores.....but if I need a hose clamp or some misc hardware, its great to have a store handy vs stopping a project, waiting until Monday, going online and Hopefully having it delivered by Friday!. I also stop on the way to the boat at Boaters World,,,even though geared towards power boaters the have alot of stuff we all use.
I work around the phily airport area, it was great to be able to drop by that store at lunch and pick up the misc stuff. but they closed that one, now the closest stor, is north to Bensalem, I went there the other day, and that was a haul!,,,the 2 guys were very helpful and knowledgeable. The west on the way to the boat,,,Bear Delaware,,,there are at least 4 people working,,, all chipper and freindly, but as for in depth knowledge Im not convinced..more retail assistance,,,they are happy to order anything for you,,( I can do that myself and have it delivered to the store for free shipping)..my main issue with West has always been their pricing.....For the difference in cost it easily out weighs the shipping costs of online retailers like Defender.....and if we have to talk about driving 120 miles at even $2.06 per gallon that cost is beaten by the shipping charges also.....It looks like more and more retailers are being beat out by on line stores.....but if I need a hose clamp or some misc hardware, its great to have a store handy vs stopping a project, waiting until Monday, going online and Hopefully having it delivered by Friday!. I also stop on the way to the boat at Boaters World,,,even though geared towards power boaters the have alot of stuff we all use.
I did not see WM
Although the boat show in Tulsa is probably not as a big deal as other big cities, WM was not at ours recently. Or at least I missed their booth. Boaters world was there and had a big area and several people manning it. Tulsa's show is conidered the 5th largest in the country, but it is called the boat, sport, and travel show, so it doesn't have a narrow focus.
Although the boat show in Tulsa is probably not as a big deal as other big cities, WM was not at ours recently. Or at least I missed their booth. Boaters world was there and had a big area and several people manning it. Tulsa's show is conidered the 5th largest in the country, but it is called the boat, sport, and travel show, so it doesn't have a narrow focus.
WM in Canada
You got to be careful with their price too. I was shock to find some items are >100% more than the US catalogue never mind the competitors. E.G. The WM tether at U$68 sells for C$169 in the Toronto Store. Ever since that discovery I check every price before buying from them. My beef..
You got to be careful with their price too. I was shock to find some items are >100% more than the US catalogue never mind the competitors. E.G. The WM tether at U$68 sells for C$169 in the Toronto Store. Ever since that discovery I check every price before buying from them. My beef..
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