“Our philosophy has
always been to have
plenty of stock and we
buy in bulk, enabling us
to offer trade prices to
others who don’t enjoy
the same buying power
or don’t wish to commit
to the higher levels of
investment required.
Our online sales were
also very strong and I
was very happy with the
way things progressed –
right up until the double
whammy of The VCR Act
and recession!
“Looking back to 2007,
most players were quite happy to spend up
to about £500 before starting to think too
deeply about the cost. As a rough estimate I
would say that figure is probably nearer £200
today. That’s not to say that players don’t want
to spend more, just that they are making do
with what they have got for longer and not
jumping on every new bit of kit as soon as it is
released. The other factor is simply the huge
number of guns now available.
“When we started there were probably
four MP5 variants, three M16 variants and
Talking to Steve it
is obvious to see he
is passionate about
his business, and is
determined that Airsoft
Armoury will come out
of the recession in the
best possible condition.
He has got a good team
of people around him
and Chris, his shop
manager, plays a key role
in moving the business
forwards. To this end he
has extended their range
to include LARP, ‘Nam,
WWII and Cold War kit,
along with accessories,
magazines and pistols.
A trip to The Armoury is a bit like visiting the
airsoft version of Aladdin’s Cave: it’s stacked
with loads of ‘I want one of those’ items.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of time on the
parking meter – you’re going to need it! ■
“When we started there were
probably four MP5 variants,
three M16 variants and two
sniper rifles in the Classic
Army range. Now there’s
well over 100 different guns
to choose from”
084
February 2012
two sniper rifles in the Classic Army range.
Now there’s well over 100 different guns
to choose from. There are also many more
manufacturers and we have to compete with
direct sales from Hong Kong which, although
I understand why some people want to buy
from there, I see as unfair competition as
they don’t pay the taxes and duties that I
have to pay. All of this makes stock decisions
much more difficult – but we have always
maintained our relationship with Classic Army,
and always will.”
AIRSOFT ARMOURY
3 Chalfont House, Little Chalfont, Bucks
HP7 9PS
www.airsoftarmoury.co.uk, 01494 766373