UNITY — Last November, athletes were shocked to hear local sports store Wildeman’s Sports Excellence was closing its doors for good. But it did not take long for the void to be filled.
Cherie Wagner, who was the manager at Wildeman’s, decided with her husband, Jeremy, to purchase the business from her brother, Dean. Along with new ownership, the building also got a new name, JC4 Scenic & Sip Clothing & Sport.
JC4 is a combination of the Wagner family – Jeremy, Cherie and their four children, who help out whenever they are available. Wagner’s mom, Marilyn, also helps out a few days a week.
In a community of many sports, Wagner knew she had to keep a selection of sporting items available for purchase.
“We know most people travel to the city for their sports equipment, so we focused on carrying more of the accessories and only a limited selection of equipment,” said the new owner.
The front of the business shows a wide variety of men’s and women’s clothing, footwear and sports uniforms. As shoppers browse the selection, they are welcomed near the back by a cozy sitting area with fresh-brewed coffee. Wagner has also brought Saskatchewan-made skincare products, specialty chocolates, drink mixes and dehydrated soup mixes to the Main Street business.
JC4 is also set up for customizable clothing, with a heat press and an embroidery machine on location. Customers can bring their ideas to JC4 and work with staff to create the perfect item. Wagner is looking forward to getting more training on the embroidery machine, but has been busy with the custom vinyl work.
“The most unique design I have done so far was for a woman who was surprising her two sons with a trip to Germany. She wanted to get shirts made and she didn't know what she wanted to put on them, so we brainstormed some ideas and finally came up with an image that fit with their trip. It was a great way to surprise her sons with a cool T-shirt telling them you're going on a trip. Sometimes a shirt is way more than just a shirt,” said Wagner.
The business owners have had plenty of help from many entrepreneurial family members, including dad, Don.
“When I had questions about things, like GST, PST, payroll remit and stuff like that, the first person I've gone to is either my dad or Dean. They've been very helpful, as well as our accountant,” added Wagner.
As the business continues to grow, so is the overwhelming amount of support, from the community and her family.
“I've had really good support, and it hasn't even been just local. We have good support from our surrounding communities, too, which is really cool. And with me being here full-time, my husband and kids have stepped up a lot at home, like doing more of the cooking.”
Wagner says she is always looking for new and exciting items to bring to the store and urges everyone to stop in, check out what she has to offer and have a quick sip.
