I try to support my LHBS when I can. I figure that for most 1-batch purchases, the "free shipping" (me!) cancels out the marginally higher costs. Plus I get to browse, talk brewing, and support the local economy. Still, every time I'm there, I feel like they're only hanging on. It is a thin market.I wonder if this going to be a trend with LHBS? Pretty hard to beat the deals offered by the larger brew shops (B3, AHS, Northern Brewer, etc.)
frazier said:I try to support my LHBS when I can. I figure that for most 1-batch purchases, the "free shipping" (me!) cancels out the marginally higher costs. Plus I get to browse, talk brewing, and support the local economy. Still, every time I'm there, I feel like they're only hanging on. It is a thin market.
Flag's just too small of a market (~65,000 people), in my opinion, without a significant mail order business. Especially at that location. Their rent can't be cheap.
Once stores started popping up in Vegas, the Outpost lost a lot of its mailorder business.
i guess I have it pretty good. I now have access to 3 local HBS. I have 1 across the street from work that I sometimes go at lunch. i have Morebeer across town, but they are usually jambed with customers on the weekend. And now a Hydrophonics store just down the street cleared a section of the store out and and is carrying everything for Homebrewing. They even opened a brew pub next door for those who want to use their equiptment.
I know man. It is too small. I got lucky though. My fiancee works across the street from one that opened a few months ago.
Oh wow. Where's the new one?
I am surprised the shop in Prescott is still open.
I am also one of the lucky ones; my LHBS is Hoptech in Dublin, CA, and they are great! Can't ever replace the knowledge, attention and friendship that Jade and Roberto bring to the table. I NEVER shop online, because I NEVER want them to go away. Always meet the nicest people in their shop as well. Great place to hang out and just shoot the breeze and get some new ideas.
I have a soft spot for small businesses because I own one, and I'm tired of watching all of my local resources disappear. The most recent example: I used to have 3-4 lawnmower shops within 10 min. Now the nearest one is 25 min. away.
frazier said:I try to support my LHBS when I can. I figure that for most 1-batch purchases, the "free shipping" (me!) cancels out the marginally higher costs. Plus I get to browse, talk brewing, and support the local economy. Still, every time I'm there, I feel like they're only hanging on. It is a thin market.
i guess I have it pretty good. I now have access to 3 local HBS. I have 1 across the street from work that I sometimes go at lunch. i have Morebeer across town, but they are usually jambed with customers on the weekend. And now a Hydrophonics store just down the street cleared a section of the store out and and is carrying everything for Homebrewing. They even opened a brew pub next door for those who want to use their equiptment.
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