They have been off the air on line for a while now but I happened to stop by what was my local Bias Boating Warehouse the other day and the notice on the door stated "all Bias shops have closed down".
Anybody know what happened, did they just go belly up?
Pity, they were good to keep Withworths honest.
I have not been to Whitworths lately but a mate told me their shelves were a bit bare! Locally one of the big marine dealers have disappeared. Tough times for a lot of these businesses.
Their web page is still up and has an announcement.
The problem I always found with Bias is that the shops were in out of the way places and parking was nigh on impossible to have, most of them weren't even anywhere near water, so a bit hard to figure out who their customer base was.
While most people possibly liked the lower than normal pricing, it proved to be an unsustainable business model. You can sell something, that ultimately is too cheap.
I received the email below from Bias last week.
Basically they went down, and has been bought out by Boating and RV.
There's a few pee'd off customers who claim to have lost deposits, pre paid orders,gift vouchers etc. whilst they allegedly still traded, according to some of the fishing threads.
Speaking about Whitworths, why do you only get a special when the boat shows on, trying to suck in visitors away from the boat show.
Boating & RV expands their retail and online operations in Australia!
Boating & RV acquires three Bias Boating Stores
We would like to communicate to previous Bias Boating and current Boating & RV customers on the recent acquisition in the Australian marine chandlery industry.
As you would be aware, long-term chandlery retailer, Bias Boating Warehouse was unfortunately placed into liquidation after 41 years of operation in Australia.
Boating & RV is pleased to announce that we have acquired three of the previous Bias Boating store locations: Slacks Creek, Tingalpa and Townsville. The company now has four retail stores and the ability to deliver our quality products to you, no matter where you live, Australia Wide.
About Boating & RV
Boating & RV have been operating successfully in Australia for 2 years, with a retail outlet in Capalaba, QLD and our online store www.boatingandrv.com.au.
The company's focus is on delivering high quality products, low prices and superior and knowledgeable customer service to all online and in-store customers.
Directors, Peter Ruhle and Aaron Hunt have worked in the boating chandlery industry for over 30 years, and were previous Bias Boating staff some years ago.
Many of the previous Bias Boating employees have joined our company, so we have a dedicated team of qualified staff that are equipped with the skills and understanding to deliver great advice and support for all your boating and RV needs.
All Boating & RV stores and our online store now stock the product range that was previously held at Bias Boating.
An Invitation
We personally invite previous Bias Boating customers and existing Boating & RV clientele and to jump aboard and shop with us.
Just like you, we also like to fish, sail and explore.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Peter Ruhle and Aaron Hunt
Please note:
Boating & RV is a separate company that is not affiliated with any former Bias Boating operations, as such any outstanding Bias Boating orders or vouchers cannot be redeemed, returned or refunded through Boating & RV.
Select to expand quotecrustysailor said..
Speaking about Whitworths, why do you only get a special when the boat shows on, trying to suck in visitors away from the boat show.
they have specials in their cattledogs all the time, it comes out either 3 monthly or six monthly,
EBay and online shopping offshore would have been the death of Bias. When they first opened I used to buy a lot of stuff and have it posted out. The cost of shipping then was reasonable but lately it has become prohibitive. I have been buying antifouling paint from Whitworths and Bias for years when driving through Sydney. It often meant I would be shopping months before going on the slips. Bias will be missed.
Bob Littler Agencies (BLA) have been an importer and wholesaler for many of the chandleries for many years. Of late they have started dealing direct to the public which would have some impact on the retailers.
bla.com.au/marketing/maintenance.html
Internet shopping has changed things a lot too. I still prefer to shop at a well stocked chandlery.
Like or not, we can expect to see lots more bricks-and-mortar stores yield to the onslaught of online shopping.
It's not just overseas competition too. Local e-tailers such as Arnold's Boat Shop (www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/) must be making inroads.
PS I bought my AIS from Arnold's and their prices were as good as Westmarine's, and significantly cheaper than Whitworth's, and reasonable shipping to boot.
Sad to see BIAS finally fall, I hope the staff are able to find work soon as there were some terrific people amongst them!
Bias's major market (tinny's and trailer boats) had been pretty strategically attacked first by BCF (aka Supercheap) and then more recently by a disgruntled former owner launching Road Tech Marine (under Jaycar's blanket). Bias never had a chance and unfortunately has punished their suppliers who assisted them to tread water when all was already lost.
Select to expand quotebrett221 said..
Sad to see BIAS finally fall, I hope the staff are able to find work soon as there were some terrific people amongst them!
Bias's major market (tinny's and trailer boats) had been pretty strategically attacked first by BCF (aka Supercheap) and then more recently by a disgruntled former owner launching Road Tech Marine (under Jaycar's blanket). Bias never had a chance and unfortunately has punished their suppliers who assisted them to tread water when all was already lost.
Interesting thing, isn't it.
Bias closed here in Townsville about the same time Roadtech Marine opened up a branch here.
For us in the Qld netherlands (no, not Holland) we have to choices now, Roadtech or online shopping.
