Whittaker Guns closed

[Elkins45]

New guns don't make a store much profit, just like new cars don't make a dealer much profit. Trade ins and properly bought used guns/cars are much higher profit. The real profit lies in the "tires, batteries, and accessories", i.e gun cases, cleaning kits, optics, clothing and footwear; ammo is low profit, but reloading equipment is decent profit. Fishing equipment is like clothing, often "keyed" or more. Buying and moving inventory fast are the keys to successful retailing, especially with marginally low profit margins...guns.

Guns, optics, ammo and reloading were what kept the old store humming. His used inventory was huge and it turned over fast. There was something new every day. The last time I was there most of the non-gun stuff (or a functional equivalent) could be bought from Walmart or even Bass Pro for less. Guns were their core business back when they were successful.

 

[rhino465]

I used to shoot 3-gun at ORPCI (new Lewisport, KY) for a few years. I heard the local guys talk about Whittaker's and I could sense the presence of a great local gun shop as I drove past Owensboro on my way from west central Indiana each time. Unfortunately, I never took the time to go a few miles out of the way on my way home to check it out. My loss! I also miss those matches and shooting with that group of people even though it was quite a drive both ways.