Business at Olde English Outfitters in Tripp City, Ohio, was good, but owners Evan and Layne English wanted to make it great. To them, that growth required a new archery shop with an indoor range, but they didn’t know where to start.
After searching the ATA website for information, they entered the ATA’s Call for Projects. This program allows ATA members and partners to submit their archery-related project proposals to receive ATA staff assistance. The ATA reviewed their project questionnaire, and Nicole Nash, ATA’s senior manager of outreach, helped the Englishes determine and implement their next steps.
Submit an application and revamp your range. Photo Credit: ATA
Nash introduced them to the ATA’s Archery Range Guide: Retail Edition. They referred to it weekly as they designed plans for their new building, complete with a classroom, event space, an indoor archery range and an archery showroom about five times larger than their current showroom.
“The ATA Range Guide for retailers has been a wealth of information for us to use in the planning part of the facility,” Layne said. “Due to our current space limitations, we are only able to carry archery items specific to hunting. With the increased showroom space, we will be able to add a full line of target archery items and also can host classes, seminars, leagues, competitions and other events.”
Because of their new offerings, Nash advised them to become certified archery instructors so they could offer the best instruction and education during lessons and classes at their new facility. They plan to get certified at the 2024 ATA Trade Show in St. Louis, Jan. 11-13.
Nash also shared information on program development, curriculum options and different ways to market and announce the expansion to create hype for the shop.
Layne said their first Facebook post announcing the project had a reach of over 64,000 people with 173 shares and 1,006 reactions, likely resulting in the 200-plus new followers they received. “There is quite a buzz with our customers. All of them are very excited,” she said.
The Englishes will clear land on their current property starting June 15. They plan to have their grand opening in the summer of 2024 in conjunction with their 50th anniversary. Very grateful for ATA’s support and guidance, they recommend other ATA members use ATA’s resources and assistance to improve their business.
“Everyone at the ATA has been very helpful and provided us with tons of great information,” Layne said. “The ATA is the best source of information and help out there for any archery retailer.”
The ATA can help you create an archery range that will encourage your customers to come back with their bow and practice at your shop. Photo Credit: ATA
As a part of your ATA-member benefits, you can get ATA staff assistance and ATA resources for free! So, if you have plans to create an archery range or program or your community needs resources, submit your project idea to the ATA’s Call for Projects. A staff member will review your plan and connect you with helpful resources and next steps. The ATA can also connect nonprofits with potential funding sources.
Regardless of where you are in your planning stages, whether you have vague ideas for a new or improved range or shop, need assistance marketing, or you’re in the middle of securing a building or bulking up your staff roster, the ATA can assist.
Over the years, the ATA has created resources, worked with members to gain helpful insights, and built relationships and partnerships with numerous contacts. ATA staff can use their familiarity with archery projects, programs and funding sources to help ATA members and partners make connections and progress. Again, support from ATA staff is included in your membership, so take advantage of their assistance today!
Visit the Archery Range and Program Call for Projects page on ArcheryTrade.org to view frequently asked questions and complete the application process.
Questions? Contact Nicole Nash at (507) 233-8146 or nicolenash@archerytrade.org.
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