Here is the e-mail I received this morning from Bill Ostrom in Thunder Bay marking the end of an era. As someone who has dealt often with Bill, this is a sad for us customers but bittersweet day for Bill...

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June 15, 2013
Thank You Friends and Customers!

There are big changes at OSTROM OUTDOORS, as the retail store closes and the pack manufacturing business is put up for sale.

It’s been a wonderful 26 years designing and selling Ostrom packs. We want you all to know how much we appreciate your support for us and the Canadian Outdoor Industry. Thanks too, for the years of friendship and stories. However, it’s time to change gears. So we’ve decided to close the retail store and sell the manufacturing business.

Ostrom Packs are Still for Sale
As of July 1, Bill will become a one person operation until we find a buyer. That means he will be filling orders, until you hear otherwise from us.  He will also honour our warranty.

Pack Manufacturing Business for Sale
•We are looking for a buyer for all our patterns and the brand. This includes the barrel harness, canoe packs/internal frame canoe packs, day packs, hiking packs, computer packs etc.
•There is huge potential for someone to take the Ostrom product line to the next level. The designs are popular, but require a more efficient manufacturing process and wider distribution network.
•We also have industrial sewing machines for sale. Call for details.

Ostrom Outdoors Retail Store – Clearance Sale - 313 Victoria Avenue East, Thunder Bay Ontario
•Our Thunder Bay store will close June 25, 2013. So there are clearance prices on paddles, pfds, Goal Zero solar rechargers, winter hats, mitts, sea to summit products, water bottles etc.
•Ostrom packs are NOT on sale.
•Store fixtures, e.g., racks and shelving are also for sale. Ask for photos and prices if interested.

Custom Design Still Available
Bill will continue to do custom design and prototype development work. So give him a call if you have got a design you want to take to market - packs, medical packs and duffle bags, military packs, cargo vests, harnesses. Anything to carry a load.

In closing, we feel we’ve made many friends over the years, and will miss catching up at outdoor shows, hearing trip stories, and watching the kids grow up. This was a tough decision to make, but it’s not the end of the road for the brand or the designs.

Take the time to play outside
Bill Ostrom & Anne Ostrom
Ostrom Outdoors
807-473-4499
bill@ostrompacks.com
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Bill had nice stuff. I hope the future is good to him. Probably time for him to down shift a bit.


As an aside. I wonder if the strength of the cdn $ is affecting his export business to the states. I remember years ago I would exchange US $ to cdn $, but when I bought a breakfast/dinner it seemed the cost countered the exchange rate. Like there's always two prices on the back of books, one for US and one for cdn.
When I was shopping for canoe packs. Ostrom's prices didn't compare to CCS. Same with Nova Canoes to Wenonah.

Strong cdn $ is great when Canadians want to travel to the US, but a cheaper US $ helps our export business.