No one has any input on a store at all

Heirloom seeds that'll grow in our climate.

Duff,

I'm not near central AB anymore, but if you are looking for inputs, here is my $0.02.

You probably don't have enough of a customer base in Central AB to justify a prepper store. That leaves you 2 options: 1) make in an online store to open up you clientele or 2) open a store that sells a broader product while also catering to Preppers.

Online, you'd be competing with all the people that have the same idea (read the business section on IPN, you'll see there are relatively many). You would have to ensure that you can undersell all of them while offering a more advantageous shipping option. My opinion is that many seem to have that good idea but fail miserably by ruining the proverbial first impression.

A brick and mortar store can work but needs to be broader than prep stuff alone. There is such a store where I live (a city of 25k within a 250k metro region with a strong military influence). They offer freeze dried/dehydrated food, knifes, first aid gear, etc etc etc but also have a selection of "tactical" clothing (5.11 brand). They have a decent inventory and have a sister store selling firearms and ammo. Even with that, the 3-4 times I've been there, the place is empty, the clerk looking thrilled to seeing me walking in like I'm the first one coming in that day. Clothing is somewhat limited in selection, tricky when you have to maintain different models, colours and sizes... But the clerk always offer to order anything I need (to which I think, duh, why should I pay you as middle man to order me something when I can do the same myself?). So, options in central AB.... Hunting store? Maybe a first aid kit service where you do sale and on-site inspections? Camping and hiking gear store?

Writing this, I thought of a last option, run the flea market/trade show/gun show circuit. Get the products you want to sell and buy tables at those locations. Low overhead cost and you get to have a feel of what people may want. Advertise on Kijiji that you'll bring "Duff's Prep Store" to the XYZ gun show for cheap advertising.

Sorry bud If I don't seem as supportive as can be. Good luck nonetheless.

One more thought....

when thinking about prepper supplies, how can you lump things into a single store? It's just so varied!

From axe to garden tool, dehydrator to grocery stuff, water filtration to old fashion wash board, shotgun to soap making, sleeping bag to solar panels, books to trapping gear, BOV toys to plastic sheeting.....

Thanks heli still doing a online store but was also doing a retail store so people could pick up from edmonton and such

Duffman,

I'm not in Alberta either, but I like the idea of another store out there if your plan to go online. I'm finding almost prepper or survival stores are carrying either the same line, or the same type of equipment....flashlights, knives, camping equipment, multi tools, etc.

If you can offer items that are truly unique and useful, your going to be a millionaire! 🙂 Good luck with your endeavor and if you choose to go online please post the notification!

Will do anything you could suggest to have that would be unique or you or anyone you know would need or want

May I suggest looking at the "what I added to my prep this week" threads and see if there is a potential niche to create based on the info there? There are 2 similar threads, each with 10-20 pages so it's a bit of info to go through, but you may see comments like "I really wish I didn't have to order X from the states" or "I've been looking everywhere for..."

I think that knifes, Berkeys and flashlights are over played... How about oil lamps and accessories? I think there is an online joint in the US (the wick store?) that has an interesting selection of everything oil lamp and kerosene stoves, but shipping makes it pretty much too expensive to buy from. Just a thought.

We are looking at a lot of camping stuff but will look into all that stuff as well but if you or anyone thinks of anything unique let me know we'll try to stock it

Will do anything you could suggest to have that would be unique or you or anyone you know would need or want

For me, and this is just for me (but the suggestion to look at the "what i've prepped this week" threads is a really good idea per above) as Canadians our choices for PPE can be limited and extremely pricey. approvedgasmasks.com from the states, or Acklands Granger or other safety stores in Canada which may not really get into what we specifically want... If you could get into that line, it would save me as a customer paying the insane amount of money to ship from the states. Also more advanced medical supplies, fracture kits, suture kits, etc. doom and bloom website has really found a niche in this market, but again..shipping from the states is expensive, and not to knock there market (I am a capitalist and admire there ability to carve out that market) I find there prices a bit on the high side. Another example is Ryan from West Shield Outpost is selling stand alone solar powered hot water tanks for residential application; there are also start up seed kids. Portable/Manual washing machines (5 gal bucket size)...

Such a market for preparedness in the USA which we just dont have here in Canada.

I guess the issue looking at my response is how do you as a store owner stalk everything every a prepper may want on a whim.. you cant be a SAIL or MEC with an acre of space. But...starting to provide items that arnt on every other prepper/survival website would definitely peak my interest. I own enough flashlights, knives, etc.

Thank you crown I found a website in the states I'm also using called the preppers vault they have also been giving me a lot of ideas to

The comment about getting it all into one store is valid, but I think you could still get a good selection of unique items along with a mix of more regular stuff and make it work.
It would be costly to get going but rewarding down the road.

I am new to this, and live in Northern Alberta. A store is a great idea. It would help me get started.

Great idea, there are a lot of places that have a few quality preps in each. It would be nice to see a place with everything under one roof or online in Canada. The most selection I have seen is at our local antique shop and it is all significantly over priced! I hope business treats you great 🙂