Reebok stuff at Hockey Giant

[UMWhockey 0]

oh yea, i too was also supposed to get my THC stuff on the 1st of march, then i was told that it would be in two weeks ago and i am still waiting

[UMWhockey 0]

well, why i am here........

If the LHS's go out of business because they can't compete with the internet companies, who is going to sharpen your skates right before a game? Have blades that you can buy if you broke one in the middle of a game. Be able to give you the personal attention to make sure that you or your child gets the right equipment for your level of play, not what will make the internet company the biggest margin.

[Seth 0]

How could you say that wal-mart is bad?  Its obviously a good thing because people that shop there otherwise would not be able to buy what they do.  Wal-mart is a totally different thing you cant even compare...

You obviously cannot discern from what is good for the consumer and what is good for the economy.

[iceholes 0]

well.. I am buying my Reebok bag from my LHS... If they ever get it or carry it

but when I shopped for vector Pros this week and found them 269 online and my LHS was $399 what do I do?... Skates were never an item I would have considered online..

I also dont think these huge onliners dont drive the price down for the consumers, just make it more difficult for the LHS....

This latest info makes me more likely to pay more at the LHS... iLL BE BACK NEED TO GET THE SKATES SHARPENED AND GO SHOP FOR NEW ELBOWS AT MY LHS

[HerobyDay 0]

Being in the same area at hockey giant this is going to hurt us the most. I was told I would be one of the first to receive the new product and was even forced to be a platium dealer so i would be assured early delivery.

[MNdgame 0]

well, why i am here........

If the LHS's go out of business because they can't compete with the internet companies, who is going to sharpen your skates right before a game? Have blades that you can buy if you broke one in the middle of a game. Be able to give you the personal attention to make sure that you or your child gets the right equipment for your level of play, not what will make the internet company the biggest margin.

Im not saying that LHS's should go out business but there is no need for all of the small shops, if big internet stores drive them out of business whats the difference? Besides having stores in rinks and the occasional LHS there is no need for 3 within a mile of eachother like my city has, and I dont live in a big city by any means. Also I think if anything the internet companies should start opening LHS but do it right, theres a Hockey Giant store down the street from me and didnt exactly do it right and tryed to push their gear brand too much. Now its not too bad because they match online prices and have started carrying more brands and got some new things in.

[Chadd 916]

Much better to only have one option than several. Excellent point.

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

MNdgame - quit while you're ahead.

[sdcopp 1]

well, why i am here........

If the LHS's go out of business because they can't compete with the internet companies, who is going to sharpen your skates right before a game?  Have blades that you can buy if you broke one in the middle of a game.  Be able to give you the personal attention to make sure that you or your child gets the right equipment for your level of play, not what will make the internet company the biggest margin.

Im not saying that LHS's should go out business but there is no need for all of the small shops, if big internet stores drive them out of business whats the difference? Besides having stores in rinks and the occasional LHS there is no need for 3 within a mile of eachother like my city has, and I dont live in a big city by any means. Also I think if anything the internet companies should start opening LHS but do it right, theres a Hockey Giant store down the street from me and didnt exactly do it right and tryed to push their gear brand too much. Now its not too bad because they match online prices and have started carrying more brands and got some new things in.

Familiarize yourself with the term price gouging, and then you can understand why it is essential the the little shops don't go out of business. It makes a huge difference that the little shops are there, if they weren't, the two or three huge companies left could charge whatever they wanted, and alot of people like yourself would have to pay it or quit playing. By having so many options, everyone has to run business competetively. Granted, the huge online stores now can push out lower prices because they have more margin to work with, but if the little shops go under, the big shops don't have to price lower anymore, and won't.

[thenextone 0]

the internet shops should be able to live in harmony with the LHSs

I for one will never buy anything from an internet shop unless two things happen:

1. The internet price is at least 10-15% cheaper (to cover shipping and other charges)

2. Ive been able to physically see the product in person at an LHS to determine if i like it.

About 4-5 years ago when internet shops werent as prevelant, Cyclone Taylor had inflated prices on all their products, mostly what we attributed to the fact that it was a small "family" store that served the entire city of Vancouver.

Now, their prices are more in line with the market and I will generally buy everything I possibly can from them unless there is a clear price advantage to buy online.

[jimmy 194]

the internet shops should be able to live in harmony with the LHSs

I for one will never buy anything from an internet shop unless two things happen:

1. The internet price is at least 10-15% cheaper (to cover shipping and other charges)

2. Ive been able to physically see the product in person at an LHS to determine if i like it.

About 4-5 years ago when internet shops werent as prevelant, Cyclone Taylor had inflated prices on all their products, mostly what we attributed to the fact that it was a small "family" store that served the entire city of Vancouver.

Now, their prices are more in line with the market and I will generally buy everything I possibly can from them unless there is a clear price advantage to buy online.

So what you are saying is that LHS's exhist for you to come over and spy out a product so you can buy it over the internet. LHS's are not SHOWROOMS for internet sites!

Part of the reason internet sites can sell stuff cheaper is that they have little overhead. Those store fixtures my gloves and shins are hanging on cost quite a bit of money. Heating or cooling the space so customers are comfortable costs a lot of money. Carpet cleaning costs a lot; employess cost a lot, etc, etc. It cost a lot to put something on display, unlike internet garages.

IMO, when you spy a product at a LHS, you are essentially stealing from that shop.

[jimmy 194]

well.. I am buying my Reebok bag from my LHS... If they ever get it or carry it

but when I shopped for vector Pros this week and found them 269 online and my LHS was $399 what do I do?... Skates were never an item I would have considered online..

I also dont think these huge onliners dont drive the price down for the consumers, just make it more difficult for the LHS....

This latest info makes me more likely to pay more at the LHS... iLL BE BACK NEED TO GET THE SKATES SHARPENED AND GO SHOP FOR NEW ELBOWS AT MY LHS

Curious, What online shop has Vector Pro's for $269? They've got to be factory seconds or something. . I know what the cost is, even with big bulk discounts. That price is too low to be a honest deal. That price is LESS than I pay for them.

Something is fishy

[jimmy 194]

Being in the same area at hockey giant this is going to hurt us the most. I was told I would be one of the first to receive the new product and was even forced to be a platium dealer so i would be assured early delivery.

I wasn't 'forced' to be a Platinum Dealer but did take advantage of the so-called deal to get early delivery. We got screwed didn't we?

[jimmy 194]

LHS owners and workers...., havent you noticed that the same A$$wipes that spy then buy their stuff online are the ones who come in the store and want you to do something for free like put in a blade or take out a bend, or repair something, or ask for advice?

[MNdgame 0]

Much better to only have one option than several. Excellent point.

I didnt say it was better only to have one option... I think you'd have different views on things if you worked for a big internet company versus a small shop, obviously you are going to side with the smaller shops seeing as you own one. I understand that you are still consumer and have equal views but you're obviously biased. I dont understand how you can say its good to have 4 shops in a small town all turning little to no profit versus one or two big stores making a lot more and still have competitive prices. And its not like if the LHS's go out of business that they will have nobody to compete with, because if they dont keep their prices though business will go to other stores. The online stores do better because people chose to shop there.

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

Perhaps you should work in a LHS and know how it feels to get shopped. I'd rather have 4 small shops in the area than one big one. At the end of the day, the one who provides the best customer service will win out. But, by having the big warehouse online retailers selling things cheaper, it's a moot point - the customer will be driven on price, not service.

[sdcopp 1]

They choose to shop there because they feel that saving the 5-10 bucks per average order is a true benefit. If that is the case, why not order your food, clothing and cars online? because you want personal service and experience

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

Do not get me wrong - you cannot hate on what those stores are doing. They aren't hurting. But I just find it ridiculous that people choose them over a store for a matter of a few bucks.

[MNdgame 0]

Do not get me wrong - you cannot hate on what those stores are doing. They aren't hurting. But I just find it ridiculous that people choose them over a store for a matter of a few bucks.

A lot of times its more than a few bucks, I find this especially true for skates for some reason. Also if I buy tape in bulk - that saves a dollar a roll atleast and when go through 50 dollars thats quite a bit of money. Also making a large purchase online usually ends up to be quite a bit cheaper especially with no tax and free shipping...

[mik3 1]

It boils down to...if your LHS won't drop their price on last year's stock because they want to make top dollar back on it, and you can find it online for 100 bucks less, then go for it. If you're trying to save 20 bucks, you're really not helping anyone.

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

Do not get me wrong - you cannot hate on what those stores are doing.  They aren't hurting.  But I just find it ridiculous that people choose them over a store for a matter of a few bucks.

A lot of times its more than a few bucks, I find this especially true for skates for some reason. Also if I buy tape in bulk - that saves a dollar a roll atleast and when go through 50 dollars thats quite a bit of money. Also making a large purchase online usually ends up to be quite a bit cheaper especially with no tax and free shipping...

Add a quality sharpening, skate baking and the assurance that the skate fits and you will see that you are not coming out ahead. You cannot get that online.

Closeouts are a different story - most shops can't take the hit to keep up with online stores.

[Chadd 916]

Much better to only have one option than several. Excellent point.

I didnt say it was better only to have one option... I think you'd have different views on things if you worked for a big internet company versus a small shop, obviously you are going to side with the smaller shops seeing as you own one. I understand that you are still consumer and have equal views but you're obviously biased. I dont understand how you can say its good to have 4 shops in a small town all turning little to no profit versus one or two big stores making a lot more and still have competitive prices. And its not like if the LHS's go out of business that they will have nobody to compete with, because if they dont keep their prices though business will go to other stores. The online stores do better because people chose to shop there.

My father owned a small business when I was growing up, I doubt I would ever agree with you. Most manufacturers have some protection against too many shops in a given area carrying the same product so having too many shops in an area is unlikely.

When I visit my in-laws in Pittsburgh I usually stop in Perani's and some of the other shops in the area. Perani's is probably the closest to what you suggest, a large web retailer with a chain of stores. The staff there seems to be very poorly trained and I've heard them tell parents to cut a pro stock Response in half for their kids, That being able to fit 3 fingers behind a kids heel was a good thing and that the no-name OPS were really Synergys.

I prefer having shop employees that actually know what they're talking about and those are usually found in the smaller shops. That said, I will have an online presence within the next month or so. Obviously, I hope to sell some product that way. I still feel that nothing will ever replace a good local hockey shop. My hope is that I will be able to help those people who aren't fortunate enough to have a great LHS of their own.

Well said Mik3, at some point you have to clear out the old stock. for example, I put all my M1 and M2 pants on closeout for 15% off and I only have 2 or 3 pair left.

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

LOL you should see the hit RDV is taking on Jofa pads - 8700/8500 shoulders for $20, 8055/8066 elbows for $10.

[mik3 1]

WOW, everyone that has a clue is probably buying them out. I'm guessing a lot of places are going to do this even though they'll be on the same shelves as a very similar rbk product.

[MNdgame 0]

haha I have relatives in pittsburgh, my aunt used to live down the street from that peranis and I went there every year. Everything in that city (pittsburgh) sucks, so that doesnt count ;). Yeah I think they have a pretty small staff that has no hockey knowledge and is incredibly unhelpful. Although if you give those online hockey shops that open LHS's a few years Im sure they'll find some half decent employees.