A family business that has been operating in Dresden since 1918, has been sold.
Tyler and Bria Atkins of Dresden, purchased what is fondly known to many as ‘Clark’s Hardware’.
In September of this year, the couple took over the property and have continued to operate the business as Clark’s Sports ‘n’ More, taking on the previous owner Billy Clark as their newest employee.
Until August of 2017, the business will run as Clarks Sports ‘n’ More, with all the inventory on clearance and liquidation.
During this time renovations and improvements will be made to the property to serve the community better.
Plans for the property include turning the main store into a Hunting and Fishing Outfitter store.
“As we are able, we will expand our new inventory to include all things hunting and fishing, specifically geared to the needs in our area,” said Bria Atkins.
“We are excited to bring minnows to Dresden. Additionally, we will be offering canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and stand up paddle board rentals in the Sydenham River for summer 2017.”
Bria said the ‘Empty Bottle Depot’ will remain, and will be improved soon.
“We are moving everything to a ‘one-stop-drop’ at the bottle building, streamlining the current process,” she said.
“It is our hope that this change will help increase community usage.”
Bria said a home-based business they started in 2013, called BLB Honey, will be moving into their new location as well.
In addition to offering local raw honey, the Atkins’ plan to venture into offering basic beekeeping supplies.
“We want to equip the backyard beekeepers in our area to get started in keeping honey bees just like we did,” she said.
Bria added the property also includes several storage opportunities for those looking to store boats, RVs, ATVs, etc.
“With the town boat launch directly beside the store, we envision this property being a future hub of Dresden, and the Sydenham River,” she said.
“It’s going to take time, and a lot of hard work, but we really see it as a diamond in the rough. We plan to eventually be an all-season provider of goods and services geared toward self-sustainable living. It is our passion, and we want to share this passion with Dresden, and all our surrounding communities.”
To find out more, give their Facebook page a ‘Like’, by clicking here.
A grand opening, where the new store name will be introduced, is planned for September of next year.
– This story is sponsored content
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