I have been wondering about this. In every other industry, the big box stores can, and do charge lower prices to undercut the little guys. However this doesn't seem to be the case in the firearms industry? Is there a reason for this? It makes no sense to me.
I tend to do a lot of "window shopping" at Gander to see/feel items in person then usually order online or thru my LGS. I will only buy if something is on sale and competitive with other places.
There are NUMEROUS factors which contribute to pricing. It's not nearly as simple, from a business standpoint, as "people are willing to pay it." Some places charge obviously higher prices. What sort of buying power they have with manufacturers will affect what they pay for it. Which in turn, will affect how much they must charge. The amount of their overhead will also affect it and many other factors. Some executives feel that no matter what they pay for an item, they should receive a certain level of profit on everything. Others will alter their pricing moer depending on supply, demand, etc. Some have less overhead than others.
The point is, buy wherever you want. Just be a smart shopper and don't buy the first thing you see.
That's their prerogative, but it's gouging no matter how you slice it.i think its ridicolous at gander mountain 2weeks ago had a xdm9 for 600 went yesterday to buy it jacked it up to 750 i didnt buy
Seems these stores cater more to new shooters and others less into guns than we are. They may not know where else to shop and these store are very prominent and well advertised so they can charge more to the uninformed. I may be over simplifying though.
This!I tend to do a lot of "window shopping" at Gander to see/feel items in person then usually order online or thru my LGS. I will only buy if something is on sale and competitive with other places.