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Rome Specialty Co – owner of made-in-the-USA brands that include ROSCO, Sampo and Donmar – unearthed a worrying trend when it delved into its sales figures for 2024.
The company’s owner Jack Butts revealed that last year was a poor one for the business with sales down 7% compared to the previous year and around 20% from pre-COVID. He told Angling International: “After digging down on the figures to determine what is driving this, we came up with somewhat surprising results. Orders from our large retailers were slightly up and the same was the case with most of our manufacturing customers.
“Where we were missing a large chunk of sales isn’t from them, but our smaller business partners – those purchasing $2,500 and below annually. These people typically place orders once or twice a year and are small lure making operations and mom and pop-style businesses. We have realised that a lot of these seem to have gone out of business. They never opened back up after the pandemic.”
During a quieter sales year than normal, Butts said he took a closer look at his business. “While a drop in sales is never a welcome situation, we took it as an opportunity to make our company leaner and nimbler. We have become more efficient switching between production runs and have also been able to increase our inventory levels of WIP (Work in Process) and finished goods.
“We have also streamlined our raw material deliveries to a more ‘just-in-time’ inventory management system, which is lowering the carrying costs.”
Butts added that he is concerned about the growing effects of climate change on the trade. “Weather plays a significant role in our industry. Climate change is affecting weather patterns and fisheries worldwide, which continues to have a negative impact on the fishing tackle industry.”
Looking forward to 2025, Butts expressed ‘cautious optimism’. “If the USA starts implementing tariffs, this should have a positive impact on our domestic market. All our products – except the ROMAR line – are all made in the USA. Any trade barriers on cheap foreign imports could drive American manufacturers to source product from domestic companies like ours.”
As ROSCO enters its 99th year, Butts promised: “Anglers can expect the same superior products, prompt delivery and excellent customer service that they have become used to over our almost century-long history. We know there are many options when it comes to terminal tackle and tactical fishing pliers and we want to thank our customers for their continued support and loyalty.”
ROSCO 2024 BESTSELLERS
- ROSCO: The regular barrel swivels and Coastlock snap swivels in all sizes.
- Sampo: Size 2 ball bearing swivel, sold to spinner bait lure manufacturers who include them on finished product for superior performance.
- Donnmar: The 880Ti. “The reason goes without saying. Best in its class and the top tactical fishing plier on the market.”
T: +1 800 794 8357
sales@roscoinc.com
www.roscotackle.com
