Adventure 16 retail store blues

Tradiban wrote:

Sucks, but I get it. 

Question:
If you were owner of a biz like this how would you revitalize the business?

You would have to move area where the adventure is... Locations like Nomads in Joshua Tree.   

I agree that the location (especially San Diego store) really sucked. The store was always dead, and there was no walk-in business.  I tried to use them when I could, but if I needed something specific and wanted a full range of options (size, brands, price range) it was often frustrating because they had limited space to carry that kind of variety and in addition were frequently out of a size I needed. I really think if they were in a location more amenable to walk-in traffic they would have seen a ton more business.  I used to work 2 days per week in Oceanside near the old store there and would stop in just to browse at least a couple times a month.  I can understand why they were attached to the Mission Gorge store, but in the end I think it was a huge liability.  BTW, spoke to the manager there earlier this year and asked what their business model was and how they planned to deal with these issues.  He didn't know...

This was also my first outdoor store.  My parents got our backpacking gear there in the early 70's.  

Tobi Akatsuki wrote: A16 had a “donate a pack” foundation/charity where we could give used gear to kids. It looks like the charity is down just like the store.

I’ve been cleaning around the house and have a decent sized collection of brand new and old stuff I simply don’t use, from quality leather boots to backpacks and crampons. Before I pay the Goodwill a visit, anybody know of a local organization or charity that does something similar, and helps indigent kids get into the outdoors?

Outdoor Outreach is a local San Diego organization who creates outdoor programs for middle and high school kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the activities we all love, I’m sure they would gladly accept any gear you’re trying to get rid of. Definitely worth checking out or shooting them an email asking if they need what you have. 

Tradiban wrote:

Sucks, but I get it. 

Question:
If you were owner of a biz like this how would you revitalize the business?

I suppose an interesting study could be made of the differing trajectories of A16 vs Gear Coop.  It seems the major difference is mastering the online sales game.

David P wrote:

I suppose an interesting study could be made of the differing trajectories of A16 vs Gear Coop.  It seems the major difference is mastering the online sales game.

Coop is just an Amazon whore.

Everyone's ass (male and female) was getting smacked 20 years ago...and more the further back you go. Move on...time did...

A16 in Costa Mesa was excellent in the mid-90's but eventually closed.

RIP

Adam Stackhouse wrote: I remember Bruce's store being in Carlsbad for awhile.

I remember Bruce's store being in Oceanside, off Temple Heights

Jonathan Beck wrote:

I remember Bruce's store being in Oceanside, off Temple Heights

Bruce is Nomad, John is A16.

Josh C wrote: Nomad Ventures is the best gear store EVER.  

Wow, no idea how I missed this little tidbit of information. 

Josh C, you need to get out more...

Go back and read this entire thread

x15x15 wrote:

I did run into Becky a couple times at Nomad over the years. Don't know what that tells me, but shit, its gotta mean something...

It mean Becky had cash flow?  Did you ask about his secret?

Gumby King wrote:

It mean Becky had cash flow?  Did you ask about his secret?

1)How would I know? 

2)No

Seems your on to something though. I never thought anyone would care about the stupid stuff that you seem to care about... 

I did get him to remember the few times I ran into him at the Bugs though! We talked about this and that. It was great. Also had a nice dinner with him many moons ago at Las casitas.  

But never did ask about his secret... damn... Did I miss out?

Josh C wrote: Hyperbole: exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Wow, letter/numbers/letter/numbers, you need to get off social media and read more books.

When used intelligently, hyperbole is effective. But when you get your education from social media, you may think you're smart, when in fact, you're just plain funny...

Josh C wrote: Funny I affected your life in such a way that you're now researching me on social media. But I refuse to be drawn into your little social media squabble. Swallow your pride buddy and move on.

He does go a little over the top doesn't he. LOL.

Josh C wrote: Funny I affected your life in such a way that you're now researching me on social media. But I refuse to be drawn into your little social media squabble. Swallow your pride buddy and move on.

No dude. All I did was click on your name in the thread that you responded to me on. Simple bro. And it took all of 2 seconds to get both results. Quick snapshots of our social media footprint on the proj. Seconds brahjirahji!!! You are the Social Media King... Let's be clear, why would you introduce your social media argument if you don't want to discuss it?

BTW... Are we not suppose to respond to each other in this asynchronous environment??? Sounds like you just want to spew your BS with impunity. Go bury your head in the sand...

Tradiban wrote:

Tradiban does go a little over the top doesn't he. LOL.

Yes you do... LOL...

Worked for nomad for 8 years, love em and support them as much as I can. Probably drop a couple grand there annually. I’m out of the game and clueless on the new toys and they always are super helpful. The amount of knowledge Kelsey in JT has on the most random stuff is impressive. Bruce is a very sweet person. Hope more people check them out, the esco shop is gas. So much gear!

Also I don’t really keep my MP tick stuff current climb all the time but don’t really mess with that so if you want to win an argument against me in the future just base it off my poor reasoning not my lack of rad sends.

GD, who are you winning the argument against? 

Apparently no one...

Well, I'm a no one! So you won!!!