Today, Saturday March 26, 2010, is the grand opening of Canadian Tire’s Bait and Tackle Shop. The shop is really just a revamped version of the stores outdoor section but nonetheless has more than what they use to. Assumptions can be made that the extension of this newly named Bait and Tackle section is to satisfy the outdoor enthusiasts of Yellowknife after the closure of Wolverine Sports.
Reports in the local paper say that Wolverine Sports could not keep up with the big box stores, like Canadian Tire and Walmart, and had no choice but to close. At the same time many Yellowknifers would probably protest and say that although Canadian Tire and Walmart have some selection, Wolverine had better and also had more knowledgeable staff on hand. From experience of being an outfitter, I would always take clients to Wolverine Sports first as I knew their staff could help my clients. Wolverine Sports was also one of the last spots in town a person could get specific maps of the local areas.
Saying that about Wolverine Sports is not to say that the Big Box stores intentionally ran them out, it is just the way business goes. I praise Canadian Tire for making the effort to serve Yellowknife better by expanding their Outdoor Section and for listening when we spoke about the issue. Walking through the aisles there is definitely more stock among the shelves and things look positive. Another promising point would be that a past Wolverine Sports staff member is now working in the new Bait and Tackle Shop, so you can hopefully expect a similar service experience.
Now it is your turn, Yellowknife. What do we think of Canadian Tire’s effort to please the outdoor enthusiasts? Will they fill the void the Wolverine’s has made? What about Firearms, who is going to be the local supplier for them? Let us know your thoughts on any of this below in the comments or by e-mail to info@ykonline.ca
I live in Langley BC & its to bad Wolverine had to shut down.
But the new Bait & Tackle shop look good, & its great to see that some of the employers from Wolverine got jobs there. Are sports section here got a ” make over ” as well but it doesnt look as cool as this one, lol.
Im hoping to get up here this summer and fish, camp, etc. Awesome place.
Cheers everyone.
Dave.
I live in Langley BC & its to bad Wolverine had to shut down.
But the new Bait & Tackle shop look good, & its great to see that some of the employers from Wolverine got jobs there. Are sports section here got a ” make over ” as well but it doesnt look as cool as this one, lol.
Im hoping to get up here this summer and fish, camp, etc. Awesome place.
Cheers everyone.
Dave.