I was not aware that both Midwest Supply and Northern Brewer have new investors.
http://m.bizjournals.com/twincities/print-edition/2011/11/11/home-brewery-suppliers-land-investment.html?page=all&r=full
I recently have met a few people that used to work for Northen brewer and then did the search.
So homebrewing supply stores are changing and attracting investors.
No more LHBS anymore?
The fact that investors are interested is a pretty solid indicator that the hobby (just like the small brewery boom) is entering a new era. Soon the norm will be conversations like this…
Man 1: “I brew my own beer”
Man 2: “Well…doesn’t everyone???”
Regarding the outside investment, growth is not a bad thing if attention is still paid to quality and customer service. I wish NB well; they have a great rep, stock everything under the sun, and good prices.
In general, I opt for paying a small amount more and supporting my local merchants’s goods and services (the practice which sadly, like many things, seems to be falling by the wayside lately among many folks).
But it’s very nice indeed to have companies like NB around for some harder to get items, or things not normally stocked by smaller stores.
The VC money was attracted to lager HBS with a big online presence.
My LHBS is still locally owned. They are growing, and have increased their internet sales, so will they attract a buy out offer?
Boom boom boom… bust?
Yeah, when the VC money comes in, that is a sign of the boom getting mature.
I keep meeting people who have only made a few batches that say they are going pro - another sign the boom is getting mature.
Things are going to expand for a few more years. Then it might be time to look for used equipment.
I’ve never seen that, must be from before my time. That’s awesome. And one of my favorite movies.
