Archery Business

Archery Business is a trade publication serving archery retailers, pro shop owners, and range operators across North America. This isn't a retail location or shooting facility—it's a business resource designed specifically for people who run archery businesses.

The magazine covers critical business topics that directly impact archery shop profitability:

• •Inventory Management - How to buy the right stock levels without overstocking, managing seasonal demand, and supplier relationships
• •Class & Event Operations - Strategies for hosting profitable archery classes, tournaments, and community events
• •Product Reviews - Detailed coverage of bows, arrows, broadheads, release aids, optics (Vortex Optics mentioned), and archery accessories
• •Business Strategy - Sales techniques, staff management, customer retention, and profit optimization
• •Market Trends - Coverage of new product launches, manufacturer announcements, and what archers are actually asking for

• •Inventory Strategy: Detailed guidance on whether to buy from manufacturers (typically for bows and arrows) or distributors (for broadheads, arrow rests, bowstrings, quivers, release aids). A featured retailer, Jim Velazquez, operates on a 40/60 split—40% directly from manufacturers, 60% from distributors—to maintain control over inventory levels.

• •Seasonal Demand Patterns: Western bowhunters typically prepare starting in June-July for August-September seasons (deer and elk). Midwest and eastern shops see peak demand in August-September for October-November whitetail hunting.

• •Specialty Product Management: Guidance on handling expensive, specialized items like target-grade release aids and slider-type bowhunting sights. Strategy: use demo units in-store, keep only 1-2 units in backstock, and reorder from distributors as items sell.

The publication features detailed success stories:

• •Orlando Archery Academy (Orlando, Florida) - Started in 2015 by Kelli and Randy Sims:
• •Early years: $15,000/month
• •Current: $30,000-$40,000 during busy months
• •Averages 20 new customers per week
• •Classes: Age-segmented groups (10 and under, 11-20, 21+) at $120/month (1 class/week) or $210/month (2 classes/week)
• •Events: Valentine's Day couples shoots, glow-in-the-dark shoots, pajama shoots, summer camps, back-to-school events, birthday parties, Scout programs
• •Premium pricing: $70 per person for corporate events at the Ritz Carlton

• •Big Woods Goods (Holly Springs, Georgia) - Jose Drapeau, head archery coach:
• •Year 1 (2022): $128,000
• •Year 3 (2025): $500,000
• •Class pricing: $40 per person for standard classes, $60 per person for pro hunting classes
• •Class structure: Small groups (max 15 people), 1-hour sessions with safety briefing, 30 minutes shooting, 15 minutes discussion
• •Over 500 students take one-on-one lessons
• •Provides high-end bows for students 14+ without equipment
• •Heavy focus on Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) programs

• •Sales Approach: Train staff to be salespeople, not order takers. Educate customers on how products work, combine accessories naturally, and listen to what customers are actually asking for. Track customer requests in a logbook—when multiple people ask for the same item, that's a trend signal worth stocking.

• •Cost Control: Prevent injuries and lawsuits through proper safety protocols. Use online booking systems instead of paper (saves hundreds yearly). Maintain equipment regularly to prevent costly repairs. Tap workforce programs like CareerSource Florida that can provide temporary employees with wages covered by the state.

• •Marketing: Word-of-mouth is free and effective. Encourage customers to leave Google Reviews and post testimonials online. Big Woods Goods spends zero dollars on advertising—customers come through recommendations and maintain a 4.7/5-star rating with 705 reviews.

Archery Business also covers: - Bowhunting World Magazine - Grand View Outdoors - Hunting Retailer - Whitetail Journal - SHOT Show Industry Events - Archery Trade Association developments

The publication provides access to industry vendors, trade shows, and keeps shop owners current on what's changing in the archery market—from new bow technology to broadhead innovations to whatever gear bowhunters are asking about this season.