New dive shop in lakeville

[wtdrm]

To answer Jason's question. It is the new diver and sales of new equipment that keep a LDS going.
We all know there are lots of price shoppers out there. To some extent we all are. However if the 1st purchase of gear by a new diver is taken away from the shops by a mass merchandiser, the independent shop will expire.
There isn't a shop yet that has survived on air fills.

And I am that "hardcore diver" Jason talked about. I have all of my gear and most of my training. What I spend at a shop wouldn't keep it alive. Even if there were 10,000 of me.

Plus given the fact that they are dealing with Divers Direct which is in essence an internet store I have even less respect for Gander.

I am all for competion. However let the small shops compete against each other.

Most of us have either been on or heard about the cattle boats in the Carribean. That is what Gander will be. A cattle boat for gear.

As far as instruction. We all also know it is the quality of the instructor that matters. Not the agency or the shop. Given Gander's current pay schedules. (I have several friends that work at Gander) What kind of instructors are they going to get.

OK I guess I'm done. My heart goes out to Pat and Nick. I dont know you guys and may never meet you. However if I can help fight Gander, let me know.
CJ