In Reply to: Northern / Western Dive Shops posted by Walt on July 30, 2009 at 09:11:58:

Unfortunately it's a disturbing trend. But with internet sales how they are and dive equipment manufacturers allowing internet discounters to sell stuff as low as 10% over cost without any price protections for the brick and mortar shops it's only a matter of time before pretty much all dive shops dry up.

It's then going to be very important for dive clubs to get in gear and take on new divers and show them the way since dive shops won't be around to do it. At least with that newbies will have a jump start on what and what not to buy. Air fills will be at kiosks or mobile trailers and will probably go up to 10 bucks. Dive boats will have to rely on themselves to sell trips. No more dive shops.