Great Lakes Outfitters is stocked up on snowsuits, jackets, boots, and more, so that the Soo can find everything they need for the winter— right here in town.
The business has been open since the mid 1950’s, originally called Joe’s Sports. Current owner Dave Edgar bought it in 2009, and in 2020, he and his business partner Steve Meating relocated the store and rebranded it as Great Lakes Outfitters.
Although 2020 was hard on the economy, the outdoor industry had a surge during the pandemic as people flocked outside. “It was the only thing you could do,” says Dave.
Dave has plenty of experience in the world of outdoor adventure. He grew up backpacking as a child, and his first career was flying helicopters as a bush pilot. With his knowledge of the outdoors and its unpredictability, his goal is to help customers be comfortable, safe, and have the right gear for their adventures. This also meant expanding the store to cover more sports and outdoor activities than it did previously.
“We wanted to have a true outdoor store that had something for everybody, whether you were a canoeist, a kayaker, a backpacker, or an angler,” he says.
Dave and Steve seek out staff who have expertise in the variety of products that they carry. Some staff members know all there is to know about footwear, while others might be experts when it comes to kayaking or canoeing. They work to build relationships with their customers, asking them, “what’s your next adventure?”
A question that Dave and his team regularly receive is whether buying “good gear” is 100% necessary. Dave believes that investing in quality gear is a wise choice, with the first reasons being safety and comfort.
“Whatever the weather or experience, if you’re properly dressed and prepared for it, it turns your weekend from okay into phenomenal— or one of the best experiences of your life,” he says. He points out that things can change quickly in the outdoors and you need to be prepared.
Secondly, Dave believes that we owe it to the planet to not spend money on disposable products that last a year or two and then end up in a landfill. Plus, in the long run, this will save his customers money.
Joe’s Sports had a long history in selling snowsuits and winter gear, and Dave and Steve continue to carry that forward. They have a huge stock of winter gear, including winter coats and boots for both children and adults. The staff are happy to help you try on footwear with different types of socks that they sell, or jackets with different fleeces underneath.
Dave has greatly expanded their women’s wear section since taking over the business, and hosts a ladies’ night twice a year with big discounts and raffles. The business also has Black Friday sales, and if you’re not sure what to gift your outdoorsy family member for Christmas, they sell gift cards as well. Customers can shop at the Great Lakes Outfitters website from anywhere in the world, with free shipping for purchases of $150 or more.
If you pick something up at his store, Dave is always happy to see the photos from your outdoor adventure.
“I’ve been an outdoors person my whole life, so I really get excited to see people go out for their first experience.”
For more information, visit: www.greatlakesoutfitters.ca