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Analysis: How much do golfers spend at big box stores like PGA Superstore compared to golf course pro shops
Golfers generally spend differently at big-box golf retailers like PGA Superstore compared to golf course pro shops, reflecting variations in product range, pricing, and shopping experience. Spending at PGA Superstore and Big-Box Retailers Surveys show that most golfers spend between $500 to $1,000 per year on golf equipment overall, which includes purchases made at big-box stores like PGA Superstore. Many golfers favor these stores for wider product selection, competitive pricing, and promotions. PGA Superstore offers extensive inventory, trade-in services, and deals which attract golfers looking for equipment and accessories at competitive prices and often with loyalty programs. The average big box golf retailer customer may purchase more frequently and in larger quantities due to greater promotional activity and product availability. Spending at Golf Course Pro Shops Golf course pro shops tend to have a smaller, curated inventory focusing on convenience items such as balls, gloves, apparel, and some clubs. Pricing tends to be higher given the convenience factor and exclusivity. Golfers who shop at pro shops often do so out of loyalty to their home course or convenience during play, sometimes spending several hundred dollars annually on lessons, apparel, and equipment support there. Some golfers intentionally support their club pro shops with purchases as a courtesy, even if prices are higher, spending in the range of $600-$800 annually in some cases on lessons and merchandise. Golfers may spend slightly more or less depending on personal preference and loyalty, but big box stores like PGA Superstore are generally where more volume and variety purchases occur, while pro shops see spending driven by club loyalty and convenience. Pricing and discounts differ between big-box golf stores like PGA Superstore and golf course pro shops in several key ways: Pricing Differences: - Big-box stores like PGA Superstore typically offer competitive pricing aligned with market rates due to their larger inventory and higher volume sales. Many items such as hats and shirts show similar price ranges between stores like PGA Superstore and Golf Galaxy, with apparel prices ranging roughly $20 to $85. - Pro shops usually have higher prices driven by convenience and exclusivity. They have limited inventory and often order custom or small quantities directly from manufacturers, leading to less price flexibility due to strict Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) policies. - Pro shops rarely stock large quantities; they often work on custom fittings and orders, selling fewer stock sets but offering personalized service. Discounts and Promotions Big-box retailers run frequent sales, price match guarantees, and have loyalty programs (e.g., PGA Superstore’s BOGO Rewards) that provide points and discounts to regular customers. These stores offer seasonal promotions and volume discounts which appeal to bargain hunters. Pro shops generally offer fewer discounts and may give small discretionary discounts based on relationships but are limited by manufacturer pricing and minimum order requirements. Pro shops might provide value through services like expert fittings, demo club loans, and lessons bundled with purchases rather than deep price discounts. Pro shops have less emphasis on online sales but are increasingly moving toward online platforms to compete with big box retailers in pricing and convenience. Summary Table
Big-box stores usually have better pricing through promotions and loyalty rewards, while pro shops rely more on customer loyalty and service quality to justify their higher prices. eGolf Village has a vision to bring big box pricing, selection and a tokenized Loyalty Rewards Program to local golf course pro shops allowing golfers more selection at affordable pricing by syndicating individual pro shop purchases to acquire big box bulk purchasing power. Author: Brad Kellmayer, CEO, eGolf Village, Inc. email: BradK@eGolfVillage.com eGolfVillage.com |