mike_s
Contributor
You're right about their travel programs. MTSS had some of the best scuba trip options out there, to places that most LDS's never could take trips to.
MTSS (Nashville/Franklin, TN) has closed
- Thread starter Digger54
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Very Sad indeed to see such a good Dive Retailer close their doors. There will be many more before this recession/depression is over.
Many retailers have been "locked in" to booking programs and annual minimum orders with long terms. That does not work anymore. Some of the larger companies will be taking some major debt over the next year. Those who survive will be paying for that debt.
Smaller companies, with clean price lists, and open policies, are making progress, even in this
very difficult market.
There are many reasons, not just the current terrible economy, for all this- Dumped down courses, producing poor divers, the refusal of many local stores to be competitive as prices became more transparent, the "other guy in town is bad" mentality, and on and on.
In the end; we have a great experience to offer people. Go underwater and see things that most will never see. Diving is great. Less expensive than skiing, or golf, or many other recreations.
Best wishes to every Dive Retailer, and thanks to Rick Heydel. Rick built a fine store and did a
terrific job.
Many retailers have been "locked in" to booking programs and annual minimum orders with long terms. That does not work anymore. Some of the larger companies will be taking some major debt over the next year. Those who survive will be paying for that debt.
Smaller companies, with clean price lists, and open policies, are making progress, even in this
very difficult market.
There are many reasons, not just the current terrible economy, for all this- Dumped down courses, producing poor divers, the refusal of many local stores to be competitive as prices became more transparent, the "other guy in town is bad" mentality, and on and on.
In the end; we have a great experience to offer people. Go underwater and see things that most will never see. Diving is great. Less expensive than skiing, or golf, or many other recreations.
Best wishes to every Dive Retailer, and thanks to Rick Heydel. Rick built a fine store and did a
terrific job.
For those of us in the industry, I have posted some questions in our B2B forum; A Shop Closes...
mike_s
Contributor
well Rick has sent out the farewell message. followed by a Liquidation sale notice.
Dear Customer ,
It is with much sadness I announce that effective November 22, Middle Tennessee Scuba and Swim is closed for business. The last few weeks I have been taking inventory of the assets that were surrendered to me by the previous owners, and retaking possession of the building, and have determined it is not my desire or calling to rebuild and continue the business.
Hopefully, someone will surface who will be interested in opening a shop in the previous location of MTSS. If so, I will be glad to help them get started. I can lease them the space, or even discuss selling the building to them if they want to make that investment. If you know of anyone who wants to get in the dive and/or real estate business, have him or her contact me.
When I opened MTSS in 1999, I never anticipated it would ever close. I have made so many great friends and had so many great memories over the last 11 years as a result of MTSS. This is a sad time for me, but maybe some energetic young entrepreneur will emerge along with a new dive shop.
Rick Heydel
Going Out Of Business Inventory Clearance Sale Starts Monday, December 7!
Here is your chance to get that gear you have always wanted or needed, Holiday shop for that favorite dive buddy in your life, upgrade your equipment, or accessorize at GREAT PRICES!
Save on:
* BCDS w/Alternate Air Inflators
* Regulators
* Computors and Gauges jay.catfish
* Cameras
* Masks
* Fins
* Snorkels
* Wetsuits, Hooded Vests, Hoods
* Booties and Gloves
* Scuba Apparel
* Mesh Bags
* Dive Jewelry and Watches
SALES HOURS
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
MON., DECEMBER 7 - SAT., DECEMBER 12
Dear Customer ,
It is with much sadness I announce that effective November 22, Middle Tennessee Scuba and Swim is closed for business. The last few weeks I have been taking inventory of the assets that were surrendered to me by the previous owners, and retaking possession of the building, and have determined it is not my desire or calling to rebuild and continue the business.
Hopefully, someone will surface who will be interested in opening a shop in the previous location of MTSS. If so, I will be glad to help them get started. I can lease them the space, or even discuss selling the building to them if they want to make that investment. If you know of anyone who wants to get in the dive and/or real estate business, have him or her contact me.
When I opened MTSS in 1999, I never anticipated it would ever close. I have made so many great friends and had so many great memories over the last 11 years as a result of MTSS. This is a sad time for me, but maybe some energetic young entrepreneur will emerge along with a new dive shop.
Rick Heydel
Going Out Of Business Inventory Clearance Sale Starts Monday, December 7!
Here is your chance to get that gear you have always wanted or needed, Holiday shop for that favorite dive buddy in your life, upgrade your equipment, or accessorize at GREAT PRICES!
Save on:
* BCDS w/Alternate Air Inflators
* Regulators
* Computors and Gauges jay.catfish
* Cameras
* Masks
* Fins
* Snorkels
* Wetsuits, Hooded Vests, Hoods
* Booties and Gloves
* Scuba Apparel
* Mesh Bags
* Dive Jewelry and Watches
SALES HOURS
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
MON., DECEMBER 7 - SAT., DECEMBER 12
mike_s
Contributor
so did anyone go to his "going out of business" sale?
Anything there worth mentioning?
Anything there worth mentioning?
OP
Lots of fins. Some scubapro and henderson wet suits. Some Scubapro and SeaQuest BC's. Lots of odds ands ends accessories like lanyards, slates, orings, silicone spray.
Not but a few regs and computers. I could have been tempted into buying a reg upgrade if he had any. He had several Suunto lanyard type compasses.
I bought 3 books, a package of assorted o-rings and a PADI open water crew pack to get my grandson started in scuba.
Pretty much everything 30% off when the sale started and that was apparently good enough to create a long line at the register.
mike_s
Contributor
30% off "list price"? That's it?
that's not much of a deal. you can buy stuff at most online shops for 30% off already.
well that's kinda what I figured it might be... oh well.
most LDS's that have going out of business sales usually haven't ordered much in recent months and their inventory is already depleted long before they decide to close the doors.
I went to a LDS going out of business sale about two months ago and he didn't have a single regulator or BC for sale. mostly just a few t-shirts, wet suits and random accessories.
well thanks for the update Digger.... sounds like I didn't miss anything. Thanks.
that's not much of a deal. you can buy stuff at most online shops for 30% off already.
well that's kinda what I figured it might be... oh well.
most LDS's that have going out of business sales usually haven't ordered much in recent months and their inventory is already depleted long before they decide to close the doors.
I went to a LDS going out of business sale about two months ago and he didn't have a single regulator or BC for sale. mostly just a few t-shirts, wet suits and random accessories.
well thanks for the update Digger.... sounds like I didn't miss anything. Thanks.
scubafanatic
Contributor
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....additionally, it's common for the 'insiders'/closest friends of the shop to hear the rumors first and buy up the pick-of-the-litter long before any public closing announcement is made, so by the time the general public hears about it only the least desirable items remain. Also, as has been mentioned....30% off isn't terribly exciting, not when I can shop the WWW all day, every day and get deals as good or better.
.....still a shame about 'your' shop though.....none of the shops here in DFW area sound as nice as yours did and such expensive assets servicing a tiny and declining industry will never be regenerated if/when our latest economic crisis passes.
vondo
Contributor
Really? When I was in Dallas, I made a point to stop by Scuba Toys and I wish I lived in their local market.
scubafanatic
Contributor
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....nothing against Scubatoys.....I probably place a decent sized order there monthly on average......it's probably the nicest shop overall in the area and they score high on the product line availability and customer service list...that being said, they are located in an older, more industrial part of town...not a pretty landscaped yuppie neighborhood type area......and it does have an element of 'warehouse' about it.....and I think their retail area, while well stocked/organized, is a bit too dark/somber, a little like shopping in a cave. Again, I'm a big supporter of and shopper at Scubatoys and recommend them on assorted threads here on SB...I'm just saying that Phil Ellis painted a pretty picture of the 'closed' facility that sonded at least more visually appealing, retail wise, than Scubatoys......also, it sounds MTSS organized/ran dive trips well beyond the offerings I see offered by Scubatoys.
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