Sport shops adapt for another COVID summer

By ALEX McCUAIG Special to the News on April 23, 2021.

With Alberta’s spring doing its annual dance with the remnants of a Canadian winter, Hatters are gearing up at local sporting goods stores in anticipation of another COVID-impacted summer.

But the shortage of outdoor recreational equipment is likely to have a bigger impact on what residents can do than a mid-May snowstorm.

And not all sporting goods stores are experiencing the same issues.

Matthew Brassard, owner of Source Connection Source for Sports, says there is no denying the impacts of COVID on his store, which traditionally focuses on organized team sports like hockey and baseball that have been restricted from play due to health restrictions.

But Brassard says his store is adapting by bringing in equipment for recreational activities people can do under current health restrictions.

From Swedish disc golf frisbees and high-end paddleboards, to pickleball equipment and camping coolers, Brassard says his store’s philosophy is to provide sporting equipment unique to southeastern Alberta.

And that list will soon include the largest retail line of rock-climbing equipment in the city.

“These things aren’t just going to be a flash in the pan,” said Brassard on what he predicts post-pandemic. “People are just getting out more.”

But there are challenges presented by the increase in online shopping, he added, something Source for Sports handles by being able to get the same items in-store from suppliers and providing top-notch customer service by making sure people are “getting a really good product.”

For Cyclepath owner Greg Watson, his bicycle shop has been swamped with the surge in popularity in the sport.

“We never had a down season,” he said with some customers travelling across the country to pick up a ride. “They don’t even hit the floor.”

Watson says supply is still coming in but it’s unlikely his store will see last year’s record sales matched – not so much due to wavering demand but just being able to get the bikes.

It’s a situation which has seen the city’s cycling community grow into a robust group of outdoor enthusiasts.

“It’s translating to everything,” said Watson, “all aspects of the sporting industry.”

Scott Dent, owner of the Boarding House, says the knock-on effect has seen his supply of wakeboards, skateboards and paddle boards getting snapped up along with a resurgence of Hatters buying those items locally.

“And people are collectively being more present in their community,” said Dent.

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