WASILLA — With the grand opening of Sportsman’s Warehouse happening on Saturday, area small businesses face competing with one of the biggest names in retail sporting goods.

Variety and a national presence may be selling points for the big box store; local outlets rely on personal service and finding their niche in the marketplace. For local sporting goods stores, this means specialization.

“It all boils down to customer service,” said Mike Hudson, owner of Three Rivers Fly and Tackle.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman Three Rivers Fly and Tackle pro staff member Steve Runyan works on a custom fishing rod at the Wasilla location Thursday afternoon.

Three Rivers Fly and Tackle has served the Mat-Su Valley as a specialty fishing shop for 14 years, Hudson said. As a small niche business, Three Rivers provides more than product to its customers. With more than 60 years of combined experience, three knowledgeable employees have the expertise to get customers out the door and on the water. Not only does the staff know its bait, lures and poles, its experience with local fishing holes may be the boost an angler needs to catch that trophy fish.

With Sportsman’s Warehouse joining the sporting goods market in Wasilla, Hudson said business is as usual for his shop.

“I don’t intend on changing the way we do business,” Hudson said. “It’s what built us and what’s kept us going.”

Although Three Rivers provides customers with personal attention and expertise, Sportsman’s offers a larger variety of products smaller stores are unable to supply, Hudson said.

“It’s going to cut into our business,” he said. “There is no way around that.”

It is difficult to predict what part of Three Rivers’ business could suffer from large chain stores like Sportsman’s Warehouse, Wal-Mart and a new Target under construction, Hudson said. He plans to keep prices competitive and stay on top of new products. Hudson said the competition will be healthy and is all part of doing business. In fact, he hopes to establish a business relationship with the sporting goods super store — sending business to Sportsman’s and receiving business from Sportsman’s to better address customer  needs.

“I fully intend to be a good neighbor,” he said.

Craig Pell, manager of Chimo Guns, also believes in creating friendly and useful relationships with competitors. During its 32 years of operation, Chimo has kept the line of communication open with other businesses to provide the best possible services for its customers, he said. Business relationships are important, but superior service keeps customers walking through the door.

“These guys are great dealing with you on a personal basis,” said Chimo customer Ely Luckett, adding he’s had to wait up to 30 minutes at big box stores to talk to a representative.

Luckett said he shops at Chimo Guns because he knows he is supporting a company with a long history in the Valley.

“I like to keep money in the Valley,” Luckett said. “I’d spend a little more to keep my money here.”

Geared toward hunting and shooting, Chimo Guns offers a variety of guns, gear and trapping equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, Pell said. Other stores like Sportsman’s might carry similar gear, but Chimo Guns strives to offer high-quality merchandise not available elsewhere nearby.

“We have the good stuff that keeps you warm and dry, and in extreme circumstances could save your life,” he said.

Similar to Hudson, Pell said experience with his niche — the outdoors lifestyle — is an important part of attracting return business. As active hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, employees ensure customers receive the necessary equipment that can handle the brutal and vast wilderness in Alaska.

“When a Super Cub drops you off in the middle of the Alaska Range, having the proper gear — the good gear — is important,” he said.

As Sportsman’s Warehouse enters the local market, Valley residents are also saying their final good-byes to Outdoors and More Sporting Goods. The longtime business is liquidating its inventory to prepare for an eventual last day of sales, owner Jerry Holbrook said. Although the closing of Outdoors and More comes at time when a sporting goods super store is entering the local market, Holbrook said the two events are not related. Holbrook plans to find new success with an Internet business that will allow for more time to be spent with his family.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.