Lee Murray didn’t do market research or create a formal business plan when he opened the Lock 3 Bait & Tackle shop on Freeport Road in Harmar in March 1986.
But the avid fisherman knew that, like him, there were other people who value the personal service that comes with shopping at a family- owned business.
On Sunday, Murray closed the business after 36 years so he can retire.
“The business has been very good to us, and we’ve met a lot of wonderful people along the way,” said Murray, 66, of West Deer. “But it’s time for me to retire so I have time to do a little more fishing of my own.”
Murray said the shop’s proximity to the Allegheny River and the numerous entry points to the waterway located in the township and nearby communities created an ideal location for the fishing supply store.
The secret to the shop’s success, Murray said, rests with the service you can’t get when shopping online or in large chain stores.
“I’m not bragging when I say that I’m pretty knowledgeable about fishing,” Murray said. “Money spends anywhere, so service is the key.”
The personal attention and the ability to find just the right fishing gear kept Dona Marks of Richland returning to the shop years after moving out of the Alle-Kiski Valley.
So it only seemed right for her and her daughter, Annalee Marks, 25, to stop in on the business’ last day.
“I started shopping here when I still lived in Cheswick and was teaching my son and daughter to fish,” Marks said. “I still kept coming back after we moved because it’s the best shop of its kind around.”
Her daughter agrees.
“I love this place,” Annalee said. “It’s kind of sad that it won’t be around anymore. It’s my favorite fishing shop.”
Dona Marks noted the family’s love for fishing was so keen that her son pursued a career as a fly fishing guide in Aspen, Colo.
Murray said he tried to sell the business in the hopes it would keep going to serve the next generation of customers, but none of the offers were suitable.
“I’ll miss this place, for sure,” he said. “But I think it’s time for us to step away and enjoy retirement.”
Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony at 724-772-6368, tlarussa@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Credit: Source link
