Ozark Adventures consolidates in one location

Ozark Adventures closed its 1457 S. Glenstone location this fall and moved everything to the company's larger location at 1328 E. Republic Road.

Owner John Haik, who operated Ozark Adventures on Glen-stone for 22 years, said he built the Republic Road store four years ago knowing that he would eventually close the one on Glenstone.

"It was hard to close the old store because I started there," Haik said. "But I was spending a lot of time traveling between the two stores. The Glenstone store had 3,200 square feet, and the Republic location has about 7,500 square feet. I have more merchandise and more brands at the new store. There's more room to display tents, canoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing and the other merchandise."

The Republic Road location also allows Haik more time with his wife, Lee. She owns James Dcor, which is next to Ozark Adventures on Republic. The two stores share office and inventory space.

Ozark Adventures' typical customer is between 20 and 45, according to Haik, "But there are older and younger people as well." During the winter, people shop for ski equipment and clothing. Canoes and summer clothing are popular items during the warm months.

Haik said adventure racing is a sport that's gaining in popularity with his customers. Teams of four or more compete in a minimum of four different sports. The activities can in-clude canoeing, biking, running, climbing, etc. The teams have to start and finish the race together. There are opportunities in the area for people to compete in adventure racing.

Haik said his future plans are to grow his business.

"I want people to know I'm here," he said. "I'd like to get people from a 150-mile radius to know I'm here."

Haik said he believes he's been able to successfully run the business for more than 20 years because he listens to his customers and tries to figure out, in advance, what their needs are.

"You have to stay on the market," he said. "It helps that we, in the Midwest, get the trends from the East and West coasts. Since trends come here after they've been to the coasts, I can see what will or won't sell."

Ozark Adventures is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.