Gary, as someone who understands the retail side of camping, any thoughts on what effects the Covid-19 pandemic will cause?
From manufacturers to retailers, depending on the amount of stock they have released into the channel, going to be a LOT of gear lying around come the end of the "season".
For valid reasons, I cannot see campsites even opening this summer, never mind people buying new kit.
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For starters cash rich retailers (not many of them to be fair) brought in stock early, they are saying they are happy to have this stock but are canceling later drops. All the retailers im speaking to are saying sales have dropped off a cliff. The second drop of stock ive been told has been delayed so the March stock won't arrive until May/June but who's going to want it. What I think you will see is some "brands" not clearing the excess stock of 2020 and keeping their ranges exactly the same for 2021, possibly one or two "brands" might clear the stock to a few big cash rich retailers but as I said at the start, there's not many of them and they will want to keep their cash. Crazy times but sadly there are a number of camping retailers who were already on the edge so this Corona virus might just be enough to tip them over the edge.
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.
All the best for the future, Gary, whatever you have decided to do.
DK
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only just seen this thread! - so so sorry to see the loss of a traditional independant camping shop with an owner that has knowledge and a genuine interest of the products they sell.
thanks for all the advice, the videos and the really useful cross camping method for poled tents!.
all the best for the future and hope you have more time to enjoy your own camping in future!.
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Thank you for your kind words... It was going to be my first summer in a long time where the wife and I were looking forward to a long French camping trip. Oh well, im sure it will come along at some point. I'm working on a railway infrastructure job and loving it. All the best to everyone.
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.