[camaraderie]

Well..since this particular thread seems pretty positive on WM...I'll jump in and be negative. But first, I'll say that I have traditionally spent a LOT of $$ at West...so much so that they sent me a HARDBOUND catalog in thanks one year! Over the last 5 years or so I have become increasingly critical of them and sought to take my business elsewhere whenever the opportunity presented itself. The reasons I have been critical:
1. Price increases and prices that made them the highest priced source for anything you wanted to buy for your boat. I documented this in January of 2007 here with comparison prices on 25 commonly purchased items. They were highest in 24 out of 25 cases and only were the SAME on one item because they were on sale.
2. A corporate policy of NOT matching internet pricing...even though some stores and district managers would do so....the printed policy said no.
3. The buying and conversion of their retail competitors created a virtual retail monopoly and allowed them to raise prices. (BoatUS/EBMarine)
4. The elimination of sailboat items at retail in favor of clothing and powerboat oriented inventory.
5. The replacement of quality name brands with "WEST" branded goods to avoid price comparisons and enhance margins. (Avon/Zodiac/Batteries/ etc.)

Now those of you outside the US might like their prices as with the $$ exchange, I'm sure theyare attractive...but those of us here can shop and compare and they rarely come up close except on sale.

They are paying a huge price for their actions over the recent past as is evidenced by their financial losses, store closings, stock price fall, and firing of their CEO. The new guy has a background as a long term employee who KNOWS the business rather than simply knowing how to control inventory and raise prices. It sounds like he wants to change how things are done and get back to the old days. I wish him well....

BUT...I believe WEST must do more than simply agree to match prices if you bring it to their attention. They need to get their initial prices RIGHT. Otherwise, 80% of customers will pay high prices to subsidize the 20% who are smart enough to shop around. Meanwhile other competitors give everyone a good price every single day.
Note...that I think West CAN legitimately charge a BIT more than the mail order places given their additional convenience. I just choose to buy NOTHING I don't absolutely have to from them until they start charging everyone fair prices for the goods they sell.