MBiz | May 2015

Soon after Shone bought the business in 2009, he opened another new outlet on Speers Road in Winnipeg, but the Ferry Road store remains the flagship location. “We developed a following in the area,” Shone says. “Like any store, it’s a really big decision to try and change a location once you’ve got a clientele who knows who you are. And we found too, because of what we sell, it’s a pretty big product. It’s a bit off the beaten path but it’s not too far from retail areas.” One factor that keeps Wilderness Supply on top is its ability to evolve, adding equipment for new sports like standup paddleboarding, and offering new services to customers. This includes courses in kayaking and canoeing, paddleboarding and wilderness first aid training to help customers elevate their paddling skills and stay safe on the water. “It’s an augment to what we’re already doing,” Shone says. “We were passionate about providing product for people to go out and challenge themselves to do different things.” ■ “We were passionate about providing product for people to go out and challenge themselves to do different things.”

Wilderness Supply owner rick Shone became part of the

original owners’ family. Photo by Darcy Finley

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17 mbiz | may 2015