JOE'S Salem Final Day

Many of Joe's customers, specifically GI JOE'S history buffs, knew the store had spread itself too thin.

Thursday at JOE'S in Salem Photo by Mitch Webb

(SALEM, Ore.) - Joe's Outdoors stores throughout Oregon were busy most of the day Thursday. Store parking lots were nearly full, and long lines formed at registers. But it wasn't the holiday season.

Perhaps some shoppers wanted to spend Joes giftcards to ease the stress of wondering just how long they would still be worth anything. Many were wise shoppers, grabbing bargains or just needed specific gear for future outings.

The Salem store had bargains worth checking out, but looking carefully, I didnt see all that many. After today's sale, a liquidator takes over complete control, and "Bargains may not be very good again until after mid May" commented a knowledgeable sales clerk.

Similar comments were heard elsewhere of the liquidator's style, they also handled a recent electronics store liquidation. Prices may actually go up in the short term.

Salem may be short of easy access to some particular fishing gear, but hopefully the void will be filled soon. I heard great reports of Salmon catches today, Springers are in, and folks want their gear and bait.

Many of Joe's customers, specifically GI JOE'S history buffs, knew the store had spread itself too thin.

"A store can only carry so many items," was the comment heard most, "before it becomes a little overwhelming."

Many times clerks were only helpful in searching for items, with little knowledge on how they performed or worked. I liked Joe's, I bought a lot of fishing gear at various Joe's stores, I hope to see some of the great employees in similar jobs again soon.

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Mitch Webb is a State Fish & Wildlife Volunteer who devotes large amounts of time to helping children discover fishing, getting American combat vets out for a day on the river, and educating people about the environmental stewardship that is necessary for fishing to continue as a sport. Mitch may be best known as the operator of a special driftboat named for his friend Kevin Davis who was killed in Iraq. The boat is dedicated to helping veterans; especially those who suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, get a new perspective by spending a day on the river. "Kevin's Driftboat" is used on the Deschutes and Clackamas Rivers, taking combat veterans into a peaceful environment that allows them to focus on the sport of fishing, and get their minds off of other problems that life often holds for those who served in war.