RURAL SPORTS

Co-owner Demi Leah Smith gives us an inside look at Rural Sports in Llanfyllin, Powys. Alongside her colleague, Helen, she shares how they’ve expanded their family-run business into a thriving destination for shooting enthusiasts, while navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-changing firearms retail landscape

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

A: At Rural Sports in Llanfyllin, Powys, we’ve been serving our community since 2018. The business was founded by my father, who purchased the building with the vision of creating a dedicated space for shooting enthusiasts. With his extensive knowledge as a keen shotgun and rifle enthusiast, he saw an opportunity to combine his passion with a retail venture. We started small, focusing on shotguns and rifles, but have grown significantly thanks to our commitment to quality products and excellent customer service.

Q: HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST OPENED YOUR DOORS?

A: Since opening, Rural Sports has experienced considerable growth. Initially, we operated with a modest selection of firearms and accessories. Over the years, we’ve expanded our inventory to include a wide range of products from renowned brands such as Browning, Beretta and Blaser. We’ve also embraced technology with an improved online store, allowing us to reach customers beyond Llanfyllin. The increase in demand has led us to hire additional staff and enhance our facilities to better serve our growing customer base.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AS A RETAILER IN THE SHOOTING INDUSTRY?

A: Navigating the regulatory landscape has been a significant challenge, particularly with the evolving firearm laws and compliance requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented difficulties, including supply chain disruptions and inventory shortages. Adapting to new health and safety protocols while maintaining excellent customer service required considerable effort. Despite these obstacles, we managed to thrive by pivoting to online sales and offering contactless service options.

Q: WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST AND WORST BUSINESS DECISIONS?

A: One of our best decisions was investing in an upgraded e-commerce platform and enhancing our online presence. This proved invaluable during the pandemic when in-person shopping was limited.

On the flip side, one of our less favourable decisions was initially underestimating the importance of having a comprehensive contingency plan. The pandemic highlighted the need for greater flexibility and preparedness for unexpected events, prompting us to strengthen our overall strategic planning.

Q: IF YOU WERE TO START AGAIN, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D DO DIFFERENTLY?

A: If starting again, I would place a stronger emphasis on building relationships with a diverse network of suppliers from the beginning. This would help mitigate potential supply chain issues and ensure a steady flow of popular products.

Additionally, investing more in digital marketing and customer data analytics from the outset would provide deeper insights into customer preferences and market trends.

Q: IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A NEW RETAILER IN THIS INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD THAT ADVICE BE?

A: My advice would be to focus on building strong, trust-based relationships with your customers. Providing knowledgeable and personalised service is crucial in the firearms industry. Understand your customers’ needs, offer expert advice, and create a welcoming environment. Building a reputation for reliability and expertise will help differentiate your business in a competitive market.

Q: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE TO BE THE KEY INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL RETAIL BUSINESS IN THIS SECTOR?

A: Key ingredients for success include a thorough understanding of the products you offer, exceptional customer service, and adaptability. At Rural Sports, we pride ourselves on our deep knowledge of firearms and accessories from top brands. Staying informed about industry trends and maintaining a well-curated inventory is essential. Compliance with safety and regulatory standards also plays a crucial role in earning and maintaining customer trust.

Q: ARE YOU PLANNING ANY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS?

A: Yes, we have several exciting plans for the future. We’re looking to expand our product range further, including more specialised firearms and accessories. We’re also exploring opportunities to enhance our digital presence with advanced online tools and services. Additionally, we plan to engage more with the local community through events such as shooting sports workshops and demonstrations to strengthen our connection with enthusiasts in and around Llanfyllin.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR MOST CONSISTENTLY POPULAR PRODUCT OR BIGGEST SELLER?

A: Our most consistently popular products are found within our selection of shotguns and tactical rifles. Brands such as Browning and Beretta are particularly sought after due to their quality and reliability.

Additionally, we see strong sales in ammunition and accessories from trusted manufacturers like Federal and CCI. Alongside these, our thermal and night-vision products from leading brands such as Pulsar and Hikmicro have also become best sellers in the ever-evolving climate.

We have a significant presence in the thermal and night-vision trade, and these high-tech optics are highly favoured by our customers for their advanced features and performance in low-light conditions.