Sad news for patrons of The Sportsman’s Den in Cos Cob. Oawner Billy Ingraham announced on Sunday that after great consideration, he decided to close the business at the end of this year.
“It has been an incredible 17 years equipping my neighbors and sharing knowledge, advice, and watching them grow into great fishermen,” he said. “Because I know the love and gratitude I have felt from the community through my career as owner, I do feel the need to explain the situations that lead to this decision.”
Mr. Ingraham said Small retail business is not easy these days, with rent, inventory, employee salaries, taxes and utilities all rising.
“We had three additional hurdles that proved to be too much to overcome,” he added. “First is what I consider the biggest one. ONLINE SALES Amazon and other big box online stores are just too appetizing to pass up.”
Ingraham said event the most loyal customers buy fishing gear from Amazon and appreciate receiving merchandise the next day often for lower than his retail operation could offer.
“Instead of selling $500 worth of gear to a new angler, I’m selling them $30 worth of line and setting up their online purchased equipment for free. And most of the time it was not the right gear.”
Second, Ingraham described parenting his four children as the most important job his life.
“The need for their father to be present and help taxi them and support them in the ENDLESS sports and activities on the weekends has taken its toll on my weekend oriented Charter business and takes me out of the store on the only busy days,” he added.
Ingraham said there was a third hurdle, which was poor fishing.
“It might sound like whining, but having a couple years of poor fishing takes a huge toll on the bottom line in a small tackle shop like the Den.”
Ingraham said he continues to work on the logistics of closing the business.
“I am entertaining offers from anyone interested in purchasing the remaining inventory, or better yet someone with a vision and young ideas on how to bring back the Den like I did 17 years ago! I know that I was not tech savvy enough and that someone who understands social media and possibly selling online could right this sinking ship! Please reach out if you know someone who might have interest, but please ONLY SERIOUS inquiries.”
Sportsman’s Den is open 12:00-5:00pm, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday.
“Come Stock up on tackle before we close down,” Ingraham said.
