I always swing through the mil-surp aisles at Fleet Farm when I am there. Rarely do I find anything, especially in my common size 34. On a recent trip a few weeks ago, I saw they had more mil-surp pants in. Wool, and my size. Nice.
Then I see a little sign on the bottom shelf, 50% off lowest clearance price... Paid $2.50-$3 a pair! Bought everything they had in my size (grey are German wool, green are moleskin cotton cargos)
I asked someone (a manager) if they had more in back, and turns out they are getting rid of mil-surp and what's out is it. Also getting rid of home electronics and consolidating other sections....and that they were bringing in groceries. I literally said "What the Hell?" And she responded " Well, nobody likes that military junk anyway". I walked away.
I pay attention to business dealings some (and especially where I spend time shopping). When the Mills sold, I immediately took note of the current offerings of things I usually buy or need eventually. I have witnessed the change of stock merchandise in sporting goods, but also plumbing, electrical, lumber, farm, garden, etc. Everything became much more pre-packaged or commercial mass-produced cheap crap....and mostly no longer carry the stuff I normally need or want.
On top of that, they re-arranged the store with no logical order, so you can't find anything.
The Plymouth, WI Fleet at least has a hand-made posterboard map of the updated layout so we can find things without bothering the too-busy and too-few employees.
I'm not sure what that NY investment firm is thinking, but they sure aren't in touch with their customer base!!!
I haven't been back since, but I'm dreading the next trip.