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General Climbing Discussion

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Other Arapiles questions 22-Feb-2007 At 10:17:49 PM justin

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Dave, when I go shopping I dont want just an excellent price. I want good trusted advice, good service, excellent after sales support to name the least. I want trip ideas and a good yarn with someone who was also out on the weekend. But just as importantly I appreciate variety. What if I like a particular brand or product, but THE store only stocks some other shit because they can buy it cheaper and move it out the door for more bucks.

In regards to Gonnaconya (read anaconda), it is the potential McDonalds of the outdoor industry. In Melbourne we have been lucky enough to have a good variety of little stores owned by locals who love the outdoors. One store might have this range, another this range. We had variety, we can pick and choose our gear, try it on before we buy, get good useful feedback about the product.

In the case of gonnaconya, they have big financial backing. Sure in the case of just one store in melbourne, it might not force too many smaller closures... but what about when there are 2 in melbourne, 3 or even 5. How is the little man meant to compete. (think about the demise of little Hardware stores when Bunnings came along) One store hurts the industry. Dare to imagine how the scene will be with 5 mega-stores. So think about it, next time you leave to go shopping, dont leave your brain at home. Take it with you.

When you eat out, or grab some take-away food, would it good to able to choose just CrapDonalds, CrapDonalds or mmmm maybe CrapDonalds. Is that what you want with your climbing gear. Sure gonnaconya may stock BD, 5.10 etc. but what about if I want a pair of La Sportivas, or perhaps a Maxim rope. And who says they will still stock your 'chosen' brand 5 years or so down the track, when... what do you know they have a monoply.

And Sabu, where are you going to get good old rigid stem friends from when its just anaconda? you surely cant be a true beard stroker than.