Efinger Sporting Goods:

[Eskimo]

Originally Posted by tycomps

I've lived two blocks behind where Ray's used to be for 30 years and was sad when that went too.

Yeah, I used to live somewhat close to Ray's when I lived in Berkeley Heights. In fact, I practically lived in Ray's store in the 1980's. I can still hear the sound of the squeaky front door and remember the musty smell of the hallway when you first walked into the building. The issue with Ray's was the real estate became really valuable on Route 22, while the over-the-counter sales were decreasing. When Ray retired, his family had the choice of running the shop and gun range or selling the land and building. They made the decision to sell everything for a rumored twelve million dollars. 12,000,000!

I never went to Efingers much. I just bought my licenses there and occasionally someone in my family would give me a gift certificate to Efingers as a gift. It's a shame to see it close, though.


.

World is changing in front of our eyes. Hand shake, personal service, solid advise, a face and a name are being replaced with an IP address. It might at times provide benefits and conveniences but it's destroying the community as we knew it growing up. One day the world is going to wake up and realize Bill Gates was the beginning of the end.

[icebadger]

when you loose the mom and pop shops fishing has lost a important personality that goes along with those places and it hurts the local economy.you don't get the familiar face element that you get from your favorite local tackle shop.your not getting that with .coms and as well pointed out, where are you gonna get fresh live bait? i don't really like big retail stores. yes they might have what you want, but do you know the person your buying from and do they hunt or fish? really sad news.

[Krablips]

Sad, very sad. I have been visiting and purchasing from Effingers since I was a child. I remember going with my father to get my first shotgun. As an adult I use to visit on a regular basis and made many purchases of guns and fishing supplies. It was sad when Ray's closed, but this is down right depressing. Effingers will be missed!

[Detour66]

Sorry to hear this. Yes they where way overpriced and there customer service was not good but they had a good selection and you could get a feel for what you are buying instead of looking at it online! Times are changing ...this is the wave of the future. I like the old way better!

[AndyS]

I remember the deer hanging out front of the store downtown during the Christmas shopping season, imagine trying to do that now !!!

[Polelock]

Open since 1909!!! Damn, what a shame.... I remember going their as a kid in the 70's... Bought my first shotgun there as well as many other items over the years...Sad to see them go.. Brick and mortars will all be extinct soon..

[RWole]

Do not forget the new generation does not hunt and fish.
If their smartphone does not do it for them they are not interested.

[Chrisper4694]

you guys better start learning how to use lures cause pretty soon we won't be able to buy bait anywhere!

[Wilson]

Heard the parking lot was railed today