Expert Staff Makes the Difference at Backwoods Outdoors
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Have a question about fishing tackle? Thinking about buying a gun for personal safety but don’t know much about firearms? Trying to choose between Under Armour® and Columbia® outdoor wear?
“We’ve got expert people that can answer questions and walk you through any purchase. Most of our employees have done this their whole life,” said Jackie Sizemore, owner of Backwoods Outdoors.
According to Sizemore, it’s the people that set Backwoods Outdoors apart from Bass Pro, Academy or Wal-Mart. Among the staff are a number of women. Women’s apparel sales represent more than a third of the store’s total revenues.
Something for Everyone
“Since I bought the business in 2008, we’ve worked hard to offer something for everyone. I think we’ve turned the corner on that. We’re not just for good ol’ boys,” Sizemore said.
Backwoods Outdoors offers the largest selection of Under Armour apparel in southwestern Georgia, one of the largest selections of Columbia sportswear as well as Life is GoodÒ merchandise. Many women now shop Backwoods Outdoors for clothing, boots and socks. The store is also the largest supplier of FishGillzÒ sunglasses in Georgia with the biggest selection.
Not only are the selections big, they are changing all the time. New merchandise and new displays mean there is always something new at Backwoods Outdoors.
“We’re always changing our layouts and adding new items. People can come in two days in a row and they will see something different,” Sizemore added.
Guns, Guns and More Guns
The biggest selection of all at Backwoods Outdoors is guns. According to Sizemore, the store offers the largest selection of guns in a 100-mile area. And gun and ammo sales are up in 2010.
“We sold 250 guns in the last two weeks during what is normally our slow time of year. People are worried the government will toughen gun laws. And with the economy down, crime is up so people are more worried about their personal safety,” Sizemore explained.
People travel 100 miles or more to shop the store’s selection of firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle and outdoor apparel. Backwoods Outdoors is located at 1486 U.S. 19 in Leesburg. As Sizemore explores the possibility of adding online sales capabilities, the store’s website –www.BackwoodsOutdoors.com– remains under construction.
