Business Spotlight: More Time Outdoors

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From campers who want high-end equipment with luxuries, to families who want to enjoy the outdoors on a budget, the clientele of More Time Outdoors runs the gamut.|ret||ret||tab|

Since opening their store in May 2002, owners Travis and Michelle Paquin have helped outfit everyone from family campers to professional mountain climbers with the gear they need to enjoy their trek into nature.|ret||ret||tab|

"We provide people with all kinds of options in terms of selection and price," said Travis Paquin. "We buy, sell, trade, rent and do consignments on new and used outdoor gear, including used road and mountain bikes."|ret||ret||tab|

Initially, More Time Outdoors was located in Springfield's Galloway Village. The store's proximity to a nearby bike trail led the couple to begin renting and selling used road and mountain bikes. However, when the store moved to its current 3,800-square-foot facility at 3036 S. Fremont in Springfield in May of this year, the Paquins decided to stop renting bicycles, and now only sell used road and mountain bikes. |ret||ret||tab|

The Paquins began expanding their inventory shortly after the move, and the store began selling new and used tents, lanterns, cook stoves, sleeping bags and other camping gear, which is produced by outdoor equipment manufacturers such as Gregory, Vaude, Petzl, Marmot, Exped, Camelback, Rokk and Slumberjack.|ret||ret||tab|

"We began bringing product in as people asked for it," said Paquin. "A lot of what's in the store is here because we listen to our customers."|ret||ret||tab|

In addition to camping equipment, shoppers who come to More Time Outdoors can find canoes, kayaks and a wide variety of accessories for bikers, scuba divers and mountain climbers. Hikers also can find a wide selection of backpacks, which line the back of the store. |ret||ret||tab|

Store manager Steve Childers, who recently received a master's degree in natural resources planning and development from Southwest Missouri State University, said many people come to More Time Outdoors because they're not sure what equipment they'll need for their outdoor adventure. Childers, who has spent a great deal of time hiking and camping throughout the United States and Europe, said he draws from personal experience when helping customers. |ret||ret||tab|

"Equipment can make the difference between a good trip and a terrible trip," he said. "I know what's good and what isn't, and I don't sell people what they don't need."|ret||ret||tab|

Childers supervises the store's five part-time employees. Personal service is one of the things that sets More Time Outdoors apart from its competitors, Paquin said.|ret||ret||tab|

"This is the only store in town that sells both new and used camping equipment," he said. "Our main competition, at least as far as our used equipment goes, comes from Internet sites like eBay."|ret||ret||tab|

Shopping online does have its pitfalls, however. Electronic photos don't always show small details, such as small holes in tents. A buyer also can't determine other important information such as how easy a tent is to set up.|ret||ret||tab|

"Some people feel like they're getting a real good deal on eBay, but then they'll get their tent, and they'll discover it's not as good as they thought it would be," said Paquin. "Sometimes they'll bring it in here and try to sell it, and we'll find out what they paid is actually higher than the manufacturer's suggested retail price."|ret||ret||tab|

The store's employees help budget-conscious customers by noting their requests, and, when possible, finding the product they're seeking. More Time Outdoors also accepts trade-ins and sells items on consignment, with customers receiving an in-store credit. |ret||ret||tab|

This allows outdoor enthusiasts to switch hobbies or try out a new sport without spending a lot of money. |ret||ret||tab|

For example, a customer who is no longer interested in riding their mountain bike might trade it in and use the store credit they receive to buy some new or used camping gear. |ret||ret||tab|

Having a continually changing flow of new and used goods in their inventory has helped the Paquins attract customers. In fact, many regular customers stop by the store two or three times a week "just to see what's new," said Travis Paquin. |ret||ret||tab|

Some of the used camping and outdoors equipment sold is procured through the store's Web site (www.moretimeoutdoors.com), which allows customers to trade online. Having a Web site also has allowed the Paquins to do business with customers who live throughout the United States.|ret||ret||tab|

In the future, the Paquins plan to expand their inventory by adding more outdoor clothing items such as insulated socks, gloves, hats, hiking boots and rain gear. The two also are considering opening another store in the region before the end of the year.|ret||ret||tab|

"This is probably the most rewarding thing I've ever done," said Paquin. "People thank us all the time just because we set up this store." |ret||ret||tab|

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