 | Midland anglers bid a farewell to one of the region’s longest-running tackle shops last weekend, as Birmingham Angling Centre closed its doors. Started by pioneering specimen angler Terry Eustace, and Eric Oakes, in the mid-1970s, the shop had been popular for decades. |
“Our customers are the one thing I’ll miss most,” said manager Rob Eustace, adding that the decision was for family as well as business reasons.
“It’s difficult to survive as an independent in this age,” he explained. “The biggest market players and online retailers have a huge advantage. I don’t blame anglers for shopping around, but you just don’t get that same level of advice and care as at your local shop.”
However, Rob added that, despite the closure, the family’s long connection with angling would continue.
“The angling trade is special,” he said. “Most of us do it for love. I’m staying in the game and we intend to relaunch the Terry Eustace Gold Label brand in the future.”
Meanwhile, Birmingham Anglers Association has called for the fishing community to spend in tackle shops this month to help them weather tough times. With the double whammy of slow winter trading months and meeting the cost-of-living crisis, the club is encouraging anglers to take part in so-called ‘£5 February’.
“We appreciate the amazing job tackle shops do, and by the positive response we’ve had, I think anglers really appreciate it too,” said committee member Phil Mattock. “As the saying goes, use them or lose them!” Angling Times Editor James Furness echoed the call, suggesting the initiative should run further still.
“Shops need our support more than ever,” he said. “Whether you’re planning river trip or getting ready for spring on the Stillwater’s, I’d urge all anglers to visit their local.”
These sentiments were shared by the Angling Trades Association’s Andrew Race, who added: “The loss of any angling retailer, of any size, is always serious. Knowledge, livelihoods and community spirit are not easily replaced. Now is the time to support retailers so they remain part of the scenery.”
“It’s difficult to survive as an independent in this age,” he explained. “The biggest market players and online retailers have a huge advantage. I don’t blame anglers for shopping around, but you just don’t get that same level of advice and care as at your local shop.”
However, Rob added that, despite the closure, the family’s long connection with angling would continue.
“The angling trade is special,” he said. “Most of us do it for love. I’m staying in the game and we intend to relaunch the Terry Eustace Gold Label brand in the future.”
Meanwhile, Birmingham Anglers Association has called for the fishing community to spend in tackle shops this month to help them weather tough times. With the double whammy of slow winter trading months and meeting the cost-of-living crisis, the club is encouraging anglers to take part in so-called ‘£5 February’.
“We appreciate the amazing job tackle shops do, and by the positive response we’ve had, I think anglers really appreciate it too,” said committee member Phil Mattock. “As the saying goes, use them or lose them!” Angling Times Editor James Furness echoed the call, suggesting the initiative should run further still.
“Shops need our support more than ever,” he said. “Whether you’re planning river trip or getting ready for spring on the Stillwater’s, I’d urge all anglers to visit their local.”
These sentiments were shared by the Angling Trades Association’s Andrew Race, who added: “The loss of any angling retailer, of any size, is always serious. Knowledge, livelihoods and community spirit are not easily replaced. Now is the time to support retailers so they remain part of the scenery.”
RSS Feed
