In Reply to: Re: Re: What's happening to the dive industry? posted by Eric S on September 06, 2008 at 08:12:05:

I think I read here a while back that Sport Chalet is in trouble with the dive market and in general as well. Something about a big profit loss in the last quarter. Anyway, I think most sporting goods stores are struggling since the first things people give up when times become tough is sports gear and sporting travel trips. They stay local and spend more time with the family - hunkering down so to speak. I just think the dive industry showed the signs of a slowing economy earlier than the housing market etc. It would be interesting to note the economics of some 'hobby' industries and see if they foretell of a coming economic slump. I also agree that the internet shops are a new marketing tool and older methods aren't working as well.