Thread: anaconda vs rays outdoors vs aussie disposals

I'm not sure if this thread goes against forums rules. I'm not trying to slander one store or another, as you'll see if you keep reading. It was merely an observation I made.

I'm not sure about anywhere else, but since Anaconda opened here in Frankston, I've noticed something funny happen.

I'd been a Ray's Outdoors customer for years. Always got good service there, good range, competitive prices. Anaconda opened up next door to Ray's about 18 months ago or so. I have a look around there once in a while, but I find their prices high, and their customer service average, so I don't shop there. I went into Ray's the other week after not being there for a few months and noticed that in addition to not having many customers in the shop, there wasn't many staff on either, and the staff there were on didn't bother saying hi (which they always used to), didn't approach me at all, and I actually ended up leaving the store without talking to a single salesperson the whole time. Then I went into Aussie Disposals. I was greeted upon walking into the store, they asked me if I needed a hand but didn't bother me, and I noticed their range has increased, their prices have become even more competitive, and their staff more knowledgeable. So much so that on the spot I ended up buying a canvas tent, self inflating mattress, tarp, map, and compass.

I found it funny to see one store being so negatively effected by competition moving in, and one store doing so much better because of it.

Has anyone else noticed this where they live?

Have any of the frachises changed hands?
When I was shopping around for a Coleman shower before the October long weekend I went to Fyshwick where Rays have just opened. I had found a deal on the internet from a shop in Brisbane and asked around if anyone was able to match the price if they added the $50 that It would cost me to freight it from the shop doing the deal. Rays were happy to do the deal and went out of their way to get me some of the bits from a Sydney store. The other place I went that I had previously had good dealings with were blunt to the point of being rude and were simply not interested in negotiating. I assume that Ray's were still making money and was surprised in the lack of interest from the other company.
Needless to say I took my business to Ray's
Regards,
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