New tenant for old Future Shop location

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Calgary based Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters has confirmed it is taking over the old Future Shop location in West Kelowna.

The store, dedicated to hunting, fishing, camping and the great outdoors, will move into the 20,000 square foot store.

The West Kelowna store is the fifth BC location for the Canadian retailer based throughout Western Canada.

"The Kelowna area is obviously a great fishing market but it is also the second largest hunting market in the province. With its proximity to such great hunting, fishing and camping geography, this area really is a sportsman's and sportswoman's paradise. It is a natural fit for a retailer dedicated to the outdoors," says WSS Chief Operating Officer, Glenn Bingley.

"We have a very aggressive building schedule so that we can open as quickly as possible," says Bingley. "The West Bank First Nations council has been excellent to work with. Without their collaboration and cooperation this would be an impossible task. We are very appreciative of their support in working through all the details from lease agreements to building permits and everything in between."

Bingley says the Kelowna area has been on the company's radar for several years.

"It is an ideal outdoor market. It's close to a vast area that is known for great hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. It fits our business model. It's a growing, yet affordable economic center with a business friendly council and administration. We could not be more excited about coming in to the market."

Future Shop, one of the anchor tenants in the Synatan Shopping Centre on Highway 97, closed its doors January 31 of this year, just 16 months after it opened.