Mud, Sweat n’ Gears Q&A
Mud, Sweat n’ Gears Q&A
Interview with Kim Reading: Owner
eNOW: What are the most anticipated additions to the lifestyle line this upcoming winter season?
KIM: We carry a fun and trendy selection of mountain lifestyle wear … more this season that ever before! Lots of sherpa, flannels, sweaters, hoodies, casual jackets, shirts and tops, dresses, skirts, hats, scarves and sporty bags, etc. - perfect après ski and resort wear. We also have our biggest selection of Sorel footwear. Lots of loved-by-all styles to choose from. We’re excited about brands that highlight “Green Fashion” which refers to clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly. For example, Jetty designed an eco friendly “Oystex” fabric made from pulverized oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles. Toad & Co, Save The Duck, Prana are other companies that have joined the movement and made a heartfelt promise to respect the environment and all its inhabitants. Merchandise that matters!
eNOW: This year marks the 20th season here in Ellicottville. What does this milestone mean to you and the staff?
KIM: Twenty years. Wow … time flies! We started in the summer of 2000 in a tiny corner retail space at 18 Monroe Street. Over the years, we have carefully (and fortunately) maintained steady growth. In the ski and snowboard industry, Mother Nature can always make some years more challenging than others. In 2012, we launched our online website (www.skiyard.com) and in 2018 we added a second retail location in East Aurora. We stay inspired because of our love for skiing and snowboarding is without bounds. We’re lucky enough to have a diverse, tireless and well tenured staff who share the same passion. Our successes are attributed to our team, entirely!
eNOW: What were some of the direct impacts and struggles you faced upon the early arrival of COVID-19?
KIM: The global pandemic brought an early and unexpected end to the ski and snowboard season. Like everyone, we were forced to close our doors without knowing when we would open again. The abbreviated season left us with more inventory than usual, which can be a financial heavyweight for a small, independent retailer. With that, we took actionable steps and made adjustments to our preseason orders so we could appropriately integrate new inventory with our remaining inventory. We also made necessary changes inside the store to ensure a safe, socially distanced shopping experience for our customers. We continue to adapt and remain agile to the ever changing circumstances surrounding Covid. Our goal is to emerge from these volatile times stronger than ever.
eNOW: Is MSG ready for another packed program of ski enthusiasts this year?
KIM: With the changing landscape of COVID-19, we know that shopping will feel a little different this year but we ready to run and poised for a great season. We’re looking forward to seeing our shops bustling with people buying new gear. However, if customers aren’t keen on shopping in store, they do have the option of shopping online at www.skiyard.com. Shopping online has never been more viable or significant. We worked through the summer to expand our online presence and launched a new, redesigned website. Since then, we have seen a significant uptick in buy-online, pick-up in-store and curbside pickup. Regardless of how people prefer to shop, we encourage everyone to shop local. Small, independent businesses need you now more than ever.