What should the NRA Armoury sell?

[Ovenpaa]

I agree the current set up in the range office is not conducive to browsing for reloading/shooting components and I am not familiar enough with the back end of the range office to know if something can be easily added at minimal cost and right now the idea is to add revenue, not excessive cost. For me the key areas for improvement are presentation and marketing. Make the current display more appealing and advertise the items and prices.

Why not create a flyer as well? Stick it on the counter in A5 format with latest stock and bargains and put some items and prices in big letters on a whiteboard at the back so it is easily seen. I have seen things advertised on the back wall in the past and they soon disappeared so they must sell. Also the area behind the counter can be used to display items, some shelves across the back well stocked with recognisable items such as Lapua blue box, Berger yellow box and SMK green box. If you have the stock and it does not need to be kept under lock and key get it out and on display.

Directly advertise items such as TR140/N140 and primer prices along with the other things that will move quickly.

In general the range office is chaotic and I am sure the process flow can be improved without having to knock it down and start again!

[Watcher]

Surely not as off-putting as having 20 people unable to start shooting on the targets you are already paying-for, because someone can't decide on the type of cleaning rod to buy?

Bloody shooters getting the way of my shopping

[ColinR]

Surely the membership office area could be put to better use. It already has plenty of space, a long counter and display areas. I have been in there several times and always it is empty. It would make a great shop/cafe

[Watcher]

Surely the membership office area could be put to better use. It already has plenty of space, a long counter and display areas. I have been in there several times and always it is empty. It would make a great shop/cafe

I was wondering about that but the problem, I imagine, would be the need for a dedicated member of staff. At the moment the NRA tries to cover all the bases just with the people in the NRA office.

[Mike357]

At last years Phoenix one stand had T Shirts with things like 'Three Oh Three' etc. on it. That would be the sort of thing. Christel has a point; a good quality T shirt with the NRA figures big on the front and 'Bisley, England' on the back would go down well with guests from abroad. .

At first I thought Bisley, England was a bit cheeky given that it is home to the NATIONAL Rifle Association but then given it's historical target customer base I then thought that it may be appropriate :lol:

Seriously, should read Bisley, Great Britain!

As far items to stock, basic reloading components, bipods, front/rear bags, gun bags, range bags etc.

I'd love to see one of the large retailers take space at Bisley so that there was a fair representation of all disciplines shot on camp from CSR, F Class, TR right through to shotgun sports.

[ColinR]

I guess the old adage comes into play

if you keep doing the same nothing changes

It is too easy to resist change and I think the NRA is doing a great job grasping the nettle at the moment. Bisley is a hugely traditional establishment and I am sure that resistance to change has been a contributary factor to the current financial situation. Everything should be considered with a view to improving income whilst maintaining dignity.

[Watcher]

What hours would such a shop need to be open?

Weekends obviously but perhaps an evening as well? Full time during the week; afternoons only?

[ColinR]

I suppose to have any effect it would need to be open all the time that ranges were open. Without too much investment they could stock consumables for reloaders and ammunition at lower retail margins than shops, which in turn would be an added incentive to become a member. Obviously they would need to sell to non members, but give members a discount. There is enough margin in shooters supplies to be quite creative, but some consideration would have to be given to on site retailers such as Fultons and William Evans. It would be great to stock up on discounted supplies on each visit.

[karen]

Seriously, should read Bisley, Great Britain!

Bisley UK would be correct as we also cover Northern Ireland (although there is a Bisley in Gloucester too!)

[Chapuis]

I thought that most of the items already mentioned are already on sale in the range office?