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Old March 6th 04, 05:44 PM
Dave
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Default New Pilot Store - need ideas

I will be opening a pilot shop on the main ramp of a busy non-airline
airport in the NE. I will post the location and name when the lease
and details are finalized, and an opening date is set.

It will be adjacent a major FBO with significant transient traffic,
and is near 4 flight schools on the field. So, there will be a fair
share of pilots of all types - jet, twin, single engine, etc.
Students, professionals and recreational. At least that's the market
that is out there.

Meanwhile, I'm soliciting input from fellow pilots to see what kinds
of things you'd prefer to see in a pilot shop that you would be likely
to buy on impulse, or even make a special trip to pick it up vs.
ordering on line.

I've got the basics covered like:

ASA/Jepp training aids, books, etc.
Charts (sectionals, terminal, plates, etc.)
software
headsets (DC and ASA)
general supplies (plotters, kneeboards, foggles, etc.)
general aviation books and magazines
limited clothing (what, if any, would be desireable?)
limited gifts (models, trinkets)
portable transceivers
sunglasses
packaged snacks and bevereges


I wanted to offer Garmin handhelds, but you need to be both a retailer
AND authrorized service/repair shop to be a reseller of their stuff.
So, that's a shame. I envisioned a nice display case of handhelds.
But even so, would someone actually buy one? It's not an impulsive
purchase. Something they research and then usually order. For this
reason, the electronics and expensive items will be limited. The
margins are slim, and I'm not sure they would sell too much. I could
get a few and see how they do.

So, what else am I leaving out?

Thanks for any input.