Community spirit returns with shop
Leeds man reopens local tackle shop just a few months after it shuts down
WHEN a popular Yorkshire tackle shop closed down in September, it would have been easy to pass it off as another rusty nail in the coffin of the local retailer.
Graham Duckworth had other ideas. The community missed JT Rodgers in Leeds so much that he took decisive action and opened its doors once again.
The 63-year-old retired engineer from the city had been visiting the shop since he was 10 years old, and when it closed, local anglers missed far more than its convenience.
Angling Times caught up with Graham to ask him why he took over the business, and to find out just how difficult it is to succeed with an independent tackle shop in 2019....
Q Why did you decide to reopen the tackle shop?
Graham Duckworth:“A lot of people were upset when JT Rodgers shut; it was the hub of the local angling community.
“It was a place where people came to talk about the best baits and tactics, and many angling clubs were also supported by the shop. When it closed, customers could go elsewhere for their bait, but the social side of the tackle shop was greatly missed.
“Knowing how much of an impact the loss of JT Rodgers had on the Leeds angling community, I decided to take action and reopen the shop.”
Q With many small tackle shops struggling to survive, how do you plan to compete with larger companies?
GD: “I know that we can’t compete with our local rivals Bob Co Tackle, and this isn’t my aim.
“I want to focus on the social side of the shop, making it a place where people can come in and talk about all things fishing, rather than just somewhere they can buy their bait.”
Q How did you go about doing this?
GD: “After being made redundant, rather than just retiring I decided to use the money I received to reopen the shop, as it was dearly missed by so many anglers in the area. I did, however, want to put my own twist on the business...”
Q So it sounds like you’re doing things differently…
GD: “Yes, the previous owners of the shop tried to target carp anglers. However, most of the anglers in the area are match and local club anglers, in particular those who fish rivers, so we specialise in bait and tackle for these people.
“The shop also used to sell guns, and this is something that we didn’t want to do. They didn’t fit the positive image we’re building for the shop, and selling guns certainly won’t benefit the local community.”
Q What sort of feedback have you received?
GD: “It’s been fantastic! Everybody who comes in says how happy they are to see that the shop is open, and that it’s doing some good for the community.
“Some people who come in don’t even buy anything – they just come for a chat and have a genuine interest in how the shop
is getting on, which is great for me to see.”
Q
The shop was always known for its good bait, wasn’t it?
GD: “Yes it was, and I certainly want to continue to provide bait of the highest quality. I’m using the same supplier as before, I’ve always got maggots of all varieties and I’m turning my own casters and cooking hemp myself.
Q
Finaly, how is the business going two months after opening?
GD: “We reopened in November, so we have been through the most difficult part of the year for business. However, I’m sure things will pick up when the weather improves. I’m still learning lots and haven’t made millions yet, but I’m not in it for that. I’m doing it for the community, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”