Vann's, the largest independent appliance and electronics retailer in Montana, has set off a firestorm among the state’s outdoor retailers with its plans to compete against them online. 


The site, bigskycountry.com, promises to sell hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hunting, football, basketball, track and field, floating, kayaking and other products, according to the web site.
In a letter that he sent to vendors and shared with The B.O.S.S. Report, Todd Frank of The Trail Head in Missoula urged outdoor vendors not to sell to Vann’s.


“There is no lack of product and representation covering the entire realm of outdoor pursuits in Montana,” wrote Frank. “That being noted and easily proven, why would any group of sensible vendors go off the deep end or be interested in opening a COMPLETELY inexperienced new retailer, web based or not. The web based world is even better covered and more competitive than our brick and mortar to the point of absurd.”
Missoula-based Vann’s Inc. confirmed its plans in an e-mail to The B.O.S.S. Report last week, but declined to comment on Frank’s letter.

“We are not speaking with the press in regard to this venture as we simply feel it's too early in the inception of the business to discuss it in any great detail,” wrote Matt Ranta, marketing manager for Vann’s Inc.

 

“I can confirm we are launching a business unit called BigSkyCountry.com that will be a nationwide, specialty outdoor gear, e-commerce website. We hope to launch in the first quarter of 2011.”
Vann’s, which operates seven  appliance and electronics stores across Montana, has been widely recognized by the electronics, e-commerce and Montana retail communities as one of the country’s most innovative specialty retailers.