Backcountry going strong after 17 years

KENT — Since 1994, Backcountry Outfitters has been a presence in Kent in one form or another. Owners Anne McAndrew and David Fairty’s first business in Kent was located on the Green, near the IGA. In 2001 they moved to the space now occupied by the Morrison Gallery. In 2006, they purchased a former bank building on Bridge Street, where they remain to this day.Theirs is a story of two businesspeople who understand the need to continually adapt in order to keep pace with changing trends and business conditions.For several years they operated The Cosmic Hippo, in the space now occupied by Smoked restaurant, as a venue for local artists to display and sell their work. According to McAndrew, that business was closed because it became too labor intensive. From 2004 until 2007 the partners also owned Panini in Kent. McAndrew described their business evolution as, “Business changes. Needs change. So we just go with the flow.”Backcountry Outfitters began operations as a “technical camping store,” selling camping gear, tents, packs, sleeping bags and technical clothing, as well as lifestyle clothing. Asked what “technical clothing” is, McAndrew said, “Gortex clothing, breathable clothing used for active sports.” Over the years they have, according to McAndrew, “softened our product lines. Our customers primarily purchase tents and sleeping bags online, so we no longer regularly stock them. We still do a good business in technical as well as lifestyle apparel.”In 2009 Backcountry Outfitters opened the Annie Bananie ice cream, snack and candy area in their store. “When I was a little girl my dad used to call me Annie Bananie,” McAndrew said, in explanation of the name.Annie Bananie features SoCo ice cream, made in Great Barrington. To encourage customers to linger and look around the store, Backcountry Outfitters offers free WiFi and seating where customers can enjoy ice cream and snacks including several variations on the classic hot dog.When asked what are the store’s bestselling items, McAndrew said ice cream was number one, women’s apparel number two and men’s apparel number three. This is another example of entrepreneurs responding to customer needs: a new product line, ice cream, brought into the store two years ago, is now the bestseller.McAndrew also sells Arbonne natural skin care and cosmetics, a product she has a personal interest in.Backcountry Outfitters, located at 5 Bridge St., is open seven days a week, year ’round. The phone number is 860-927-3377. For more information, go online to www.bcoutfitters.com.

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