Andover Hunt & Fish aims at a strong 2017

By Laurie Gordon
ANDOVER — In 2012, an ambitious 18-year-old named Garrett Kazar opened a hunting and fishing business in Andover. Since then, not only has the business doubled in size, but it's become the go-to place for hunters and anglers all over the area. Perhaps some were skeptical that one so young could thrive so exponentially, but not Kazar. He always had faith in himself and was determined to make his business a success. He has.
Since then, Kazar said he's learned a whole lot about the hunting and fishing business, about perpetuating a successful business and about being a successful businessman.
“Change is every present and reinventing yourself is necessary to stay alive in this business,” he said. “As an example, we recently opened a kayak rental business at Lake Aeroflec. It has been a huge success and is a new line of business for us. We have many ideas to market our business. You must keep changing to win in this complex marketplace.”
At the young age of 18, Kazar knew this was his calling and since has poured his heart and soul into the business. Looking back, he said, “For me, I made the right choice. I knew at age 10 I wanted to work at a hunting store. I always had a knack for selling and marketing, but he management of the business was a huge learning curve.” He added, “ Having 4,0000 inventory items and managing cash flow and people was incredibly difficult at first. I always had 20 balls in the air and prioritizing them was a learning experience. For me, I learned more in four years of running and growing a store than I could ever have learned in college, but this is not for everyone. My girlfriend is going to law school. We are all different and pursue different goals.”
Kazar just turned 23 a week ago. Looking back at opening the store he said, “I would say, simply, follow your dreams and prepare to work hard.” He recalled the many 10 hour days seven days a week, “I would tell that person to try to grow at a steady pace and make sure the necessary tools are in place. Lastly, managing workers older than yourself requires understanding that only comes with time and experience.”
Kazar added, “Sure, I have made mistakes in all aspects of managing the entire business at ages 18 through 22, but I try to learn and improve every day. Selling is easy, creating nd managing controls over inventory, pricing and cash is a long-term growing experience.”
Since 2012, the hunting and fishing business had changed, but Kazar keeps up.
“The Internet is my biggest threat and my best marketing tool,” he said. “E-mail blasts and Facebook postings drive our marketing campaigns. Shopping on-line is any retail storefront's biggest threat. The key is to nurture loyal customers who shop locally and provide that extra customer service, as in how to use a product and where to go to fish or hunt.”
It's been two years since Kazar doubled his original store space. “It was necessary to achieve our triple digit sales growth goals. We have doubled our inventory and now provide a full line of archery, fishing tackle, guns, ammo, fall hunting supplies and can handle any request for hunting deer, turkey, waterfoul, pheasant and small game as well as fishing for trout, bass and all other local species.
Heading into 2017, Kazar said in the future Andover Hunt & Fish plans to expand its kayak rental business and its archery department. “My dad (Edward Kazar) is retiring from his accounting job and will help with organizational issues in regards to inventory control and special orders.” Kazar will focus on sales growth and marketing and his mother, Carolyn Kazar, will continue to help with gun sales. “I cannot thank my parents enough for their support.”
With the new year, Andover Hunt & Fish is fully stocked to serve. Come Valentine's Day, they'll have many Valentine gifts ranging from gift certificates to a anew fishing pole to a new pheasant gun. “We have many creatie ideas to make your significant other feel special for any occasion,” Kazar said. “Come stop by and Happy New Year.”
Andover Hunt & Fish is located at 196 Main Street in Andover. Phone: (973) 786-7382. Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 7AM-6PM, Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 5AM-6PM. For further information visit: www.andoverhuntandfish.com/ or their Facebook page.