THUNDER BAY, Ont. -- Long time Thunder Bay retailer, Diane Petryna, is making another big move, as she repositions her business for the future. This September, Take A Hike + Take 2 Boutique will be relocating from Bay to McKellar Street.
“With emerging technologies and an unprecedented shift in shopping behaviour, our old retail model is not sustainable. For independent retailers to remain successful, change is necessary, and, at Take A Hike + Take 2 Boutique, we’re not afraid to move forward in a new direction.”
“Many shoppers still appreciate what we bring to the City. They love to see, feel and try on our stylish, quality clothing in person. They also enjoy our beautiful decor and friendly, social shopping environment.”
“We’ve purchased a century-old home, next to the Fort William Gardens, and are converting it into a beautiful, energy efficient and technologically advanced, retail space. We’re also exploring new technologies that will help us grow our services as personal shoppers and stylists.”
Petryna also hopes the move will make some personal time for herself. The new initiative will be located close to her home, and aside from special events, will be open Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
The store on Bay Street will close August 18 and re-open at 210 N. McKellar Street on Sept. 12.
Take A Hike opened in downtown Fort William in 1996 to sell men’s and women’s outdoor clothing, footwear, gear, toys, and gifts. In 2010, it moved from Victoria Avenue to 309 Bay Street. In 2017, to focus more on its extensive women’s clothing collection, Take A Hike rebranded and began doing business as Take 2 Boutique.
Over the years, the company has won numerous community and business awards. In 2012, Diane Petryna, its President, was inducted into the Retail Council of Canada’s ‘Retail Hall of Fame’. Take 2 Boutique is a registered trade name of Take A Hike Inc.
