I feel that the success of disc golf retailers will continue to be driven in two polarized directions. That's ok, it's that way in sooo many retail and service industries.
Either - go big with goals of online domination, competing at the bleeding edge of price point and acceptable service. (ok, thats not the OP goals with asking about physical stores, unless you consider the physical store homebase of an online giant)
or
Stay small and local/regional - go for a high service, high customization model. Owner/operator likely has to be the primary workforce and the main draw is the intangibles offered by the shop. Its a tough road, and likely means heavy hours undercompensated, but doable if its your passion.
Option one is tough as the market already has a few big players, but.. the small option can always be viable, IF... realistic business practices are considered. (I do think there is still room in the big boy online market for a well backed entrepreneur, so I don't think its locked out)
However, If you can't win on price, volume, or inventory, then by all means... concentrate on service added features like custom graphics, custom dye add-ons to your stock inventory, custom whatever. Become the place where club event sign ups happen, where info is dispersed,etc.
Another option to consider for the OP is finding ways of being "profitable" as a plastic retailer without losing the daytime income. Opportunities for a mobile or event traveling shop? Work out the recovery time to cover your investments though, could be very lossy at the start, in which case the day job will be invaluable for support. The small owner shop also doesn't offer many protections and benefits that employer jobs offer, so consider those risks and unseen costs.
