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One of New Zealand’s top tackle suppliers fears that more retailers in the trade could close in 2025 as consumer spending in the country remains tight.
Steve Newland, Managing Director at Black Magic Tackle, the supplier of fishing accessories, lines, rigs, rods and lures, told Angling International that one of the main challenges facing the industry is a continuation of the general retail slowdown as it could see more retail business closures. “We saw a few in New Zealand last year and there is the potential for more should consumer spending remain tight,” he said.
“Black Magic Tackle is fortunate as we have our own brand and multiple international markets that we sell into. Unfortunately, due to our remote location, retailers do not have the same luxury to export like some less remote countries do.”
Newland added that 2024 was another busy year for Black Magic Tackle and its stablemate Wasabi Fishing Tackle. “Sales were slightly down on the previous 12 months, but a solid November/December has seen a good bounce back for us. We are happy with where we are, given the general retail slowdown. Our bestsellers have been our bread-and-butter products like traces, hooks, Equaliser Gimbal kits, fluorocarbon and rigs. When the market is tight the bigger ticket items like boats, cars and fishing electronics slow down much more than consumables.”
One of the highlights of the year was the introduction of the new Kona XT game lure range. “It has been the best product launch we can remember. We had so much success trialling the lures and then getting early catches once they came onto the market, resulting in very strong sales.”
Newland is optimistic about what they new year will bring. “We have great systems, products and a brand that is widely recognised. This puts us in a space where we can always have the courage to try things.”
