New Erin outdoor adventure store evolves from local RV business

Erin’s Platinum RV is branching out – from within.

The local RV dealer has repurposed some of its indoor space to create a new retail store offering a range of camping and outdoor gear and related products.

“The goal is, anything you can do outside, we’ll sell it,” said parts specialist Abby vander Zande.

The store, aptly called Outdoor Trails, opened online and within Platinum RV’s headquarters at 1 Shamrock Rd. a few months ago, but a grand opening event is planned for May 9 and 10.

General manager Nicole MacLean called the business “a work in progress,” explaining that the store has evolved through a transition period.

Platinum RV has been at its current location for about eight years, and three years ago the company acquired neighbouring business Under the Stars RV, said MacLean.

“They had a much larger store, but a lot of it was service parts,” she said.

When the parts departments of the two businesses were consolidated, it created room to try something new – a full-service outdoor store, MacLean described as bit like a miniature Bass Pro shop.

“It just sort of felt like a natural extension of the business,” she said. “A lot of our customers who buy RVs, that’s not the only thing they do.”

Vander Zande was enthusiastic about the project.

“When Nicole said ‘we’re going to do an outdoor shop,’ I was like, I have so many good ideas for you,” vander Zande said.

Not only an RV parts specialist, vander Zande is a seasoned camper, and was excited to be able to bring her experience to the endeavour.

She said her job is half parts, half customer service, and being able to relate and have conversations with people about their outdoor adventures is valuable.

The parts side of the business is “still a big part of what we do,” said MacLean.

The shop stocks all the products needed when you buy a new trailer, as well as those you might need to make repairs and modifications. Things that aren’t in stock can usually be ordered for pickup in store the next day, she said.

But new Outdoor Trails products include everything from pool floaties and portable speakers, to tents and shade shelters.

“We brought in a whole line of marine detailing products . . . We have our fishing section – that is growing every day,” said vander Zande, going on to list “lake life” and bonfire-themed apparel, portable fire pits, coolers, camping-themed accessories and more.

Online at www.outdoortrails.ca, people can order all these things, plus larger items like kayaks, paddle boards and more.

“I hope people like what we have,” said vander Zande.

They are hoping to see a good turnout for the grand opening event, which starts at 10 a.m. both days.

There will be a food truck on site, selling funnel cakes, and there will be a “Dogs for Dogs” charity barbecue with $2 hot dogs offered, with proceeds benefiting the Upper Credit Humane Society.

There will also be store-wide discounts, door prizes, and a chance to check out the RVs on site, said MacLean.

“We’ll kind of treat it as an open house for Platinum RV,” she said.