I have not been to Whitworths lately but a mate told me their shelves were a bit bare! Locally one of the big marine dealers have disappeared. Tough times for a lot of these businesses.

I received the email below from Bias last week.
Basically they went down, and has been bought out by Boating and RV.
There's a few pee'd off customers who claim to have lost deposits, pre paid orders,gift vouchers etc. whilst they allegedly still traded, according to some of the fishing threads.

Speaking about Whitworths, why do you only get a special when the boat shows on, trying to suck in visitors away from the boat show.


Boating & RV expands their retail and online operations in Australia!

Boating & RV acquires three Bias Boating Stores
We would like to communicate to previous Bias Boating and current Boating & RV customers on the recent acquisition in the Australian marine chandlery industry.
As you would be aware, long-term chandlery retailer, Bias Boating Warehouse was unfortunately placed into liquidation after 41 years of operation in Australia.
Boating & RV is pleased to announce that we have acquired three of the previous Bias Boating store locations: Slacks Creek, Tingalpa and Townsville. The company now has four retail stores and the ability to deliver our quality products to you, no matter where you live, Australia Wide.
About Boating & RV
Boating & RV have been operating successfully in Australia for 2 years, with a retail outlet in Capalaba, QLD and our online store www.boatingandrv.com.au.
The company's focus is on delivering high quality products, low prices and superior and knowledgeable customer service to all online and in-store customers.
Directors, Peter Ruhle and Aaron Hunt have worked in the boating chandlery industry for over 30 years, and were previous Bias Boating staff some years ago.
Many of the previous Bias Boating employees have joined our company, so we have a dedicated team of qualified staff that are equipped with the skills and understanding to deliver great advice and support for all your boating and RV needs.
All Boating & RV stores and our online store now stock the product range that was previously held at Bias Boating.
An Invitation
We personally invite previous Bias Boating customers and existing Boating & RV clientele and to jump aboard and shop with us.
Just like you, we also like to fish, sail and explore.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Peter Ruhle and Aaron Hunt


Please note:
Boating & RV is a separate company that is not affiliated with any former Bias Boating operations, as such any outstanding Bias Boating orders or vouchers cannot be redeemed, returned or refunded through Boating & RV.

EBay and online shopping offshore would have been the death of Bias. When they first opened I used to buy a lot of stuff and have it posted out. The cost of shipping then was reasonable but lately it has become prohibitive. I have been buying antifouling paint from Whitworths and Bias for years when driving through Sydney. It often meant I would be shopping months before going on the slips. Bias will be missed.

cisco said..
Bob Littler Agencies (BLA) have been an importer and wholesaler for many of the chandleries for many years. Of late they have started dealing direct to the public which would have some impact on the retailers.

bla.com.au/marketing/maintenance.html

Internet shopping has changed things a lot too. I still prefer to shop at a well stocked chandlery.

Actually to be clear. If you order anything through the BLA website it will then be referred to the nearest Online BLA dealer for delivery to you.. SO its not actually direct..

Having said that Bias went out owing Millions in the boating industry.. Almost Tsunami type waves currently rippling

Sad to see BIAS finally fall, I hope the staff are able to find work soon as there were some terrific people amongst them!
Bias's major market (tinny's and trailer boats) had been pretty strategically attacked first by BCF (aka Supercheap) and then more recently by a disgruntled former owner launching Road Tech Marine (under Jaycar's blanket). Bias never had a chance and unfortunately has punished their suppliers who assisted them to tread water when all was already lost.