As many of you know, I manufacture and sell deer feeders and custom blinds. I am now trying to branch into retail sales also at my shop and online. What are some must haves at a small hunting store just starting out?
Ive already got

Deer Feeders and accessories
Trail Cameras and accessories
T-Mate Trail Camera Mounts
Sniper Hog Lights
Red Arrow Scents

Also have deer corn and paracord duck call lanyards.

Some things Im considering, but trying to decide what customers want

Black Gold Hog Attractant
The Finisher Duck Tool
Buck Candy
Scent Blaster
Echo Calls

Guess first thing would be "who" are the type of hunters are your market?





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Ammuniton if legal. Maybe a smaller line of camo. hand warmers, good socks, tinks 69 doe pee

Agreed, ammo, gloves, winter hats, maybe even phone chargers and such. I'm thinking of things frequently forgotten. Suppose that depends on your location too.

Flashlights and the like.

Can you sell hunting licenses? Ice and coolers.

who are your competitors in your area, try to find items that hunters want or need that big box stores don't carry, its tough to compete against big boys, customer service is your best seller.

Feeder batteries, if you dont already.
Maybe skinning knives or field dressing supplies.

Are you in a good retail location? Or will this be mostly for Online sales and customers of your blinds and feeders?

WASP SPRAY!!!!!!!!!
Foggers, moth balls, ice.

For now it will be online and for people already there to look at or buy feeders and blinds

With only an Online store, you would have a hard time competing with the larger outfits. I would stick to basic stuff that goes with the blinds and feeders. For feeders, batteries is about it. For blinds? That is a tough one, but years ago I found a camera mount, I lived that thing, I mounted a cheap point and shot camera on it, in one of the windows facing the feeder, never had to dig for the camera, because it was the first thing I installed in the mornings. If I remember correctly it was a video cam mount, that was for security cams. Small heaters for at point of sale along with propane.

I think it would just be tough to compete with Amazon these days except for the feeders, blinds, and corn. Good luck though

Amazon proof products/services that are last minute, Academy’s credit was just down graded and Buccee’s is expanding. What does Buccees carry and why, is a better question

!2v and 6v feeder batteries
solar panels
timers
ice and corn are good suggestions
thermacells

Junk food and fountain drinks would be killer. Always great if you can swing by a store nearby in the afternoon after hunting all morning, grab some fountain drinks and chips or etc.

Really awesome when you have kids. Nothing hits the spot like a ice cold fountain drink. Gotta make it a good time for everyone!

It's about location and convenience to the hunter.

Best things for a store like that is anything a hunter might lose, forget, or require regular replacement and of course pogie bait.

Corn

curious, what is Academy's credit down graded?

Lower cash flow based on current inventory maybe? They built a giant store in Dallas. Right by me. Haven't been there in months... Sorry but goong to Foot Locker or Dicks is a way better shoe experience. They need to fix the shoe section. Carry 100s and can't find rubber boots in most common size...

The last post hit my one addition...mud boots in the $15-25 range, forgot the good ones at home or unexpected weather...either way a $20 bill to avoid wet feet for the weekend...

guns and ammo!

Corn and protein

At reasonable prices. I don't pay $200 extra just for the pleasure of supporting a LGS.