By POA Staff
Shortly after he was hired in June, Big Canoe Head Golf Professional Mike Miller surveyed the inventory in the Pro Shop in the Clubhouse and a light bulb went off.
Among the array of assorted golf shirts and accessories, the store featured Big Canoe souvenirs and items. Everything from Big Canoe license plates and hoodies to glassware and serving trays would undoubtedly catch the interest of non-golfers, he thought – that is if they even knew they were on the shelves of the Pro Shop.
Mike and his staff aim to change that on Friday, Oct. 15, with the official grand opening of the Big Canoe Trading Post. Taking up the eastern side of the Pro Shop that looks onto Duffers, the Trading Post is designed to draw those more interested in a Big Canoe baseball cap or beer mug than typical golf accessories such as a headcover or a ball caddy.
To help kick things off, all Big Canoe long and short-sleeve T-shirts will be 25 percent off on opening day.
With an expanded inventory of Big Canoe-focused stock that has nothing to do with 9-irons, the Trading Post caters to everyone from Property Owners eager to show their community pride to visitors who after dining in the Clubhouse want to come down to nab a Big Canoe keepsake.
“We’re not trying to have a pro shop that has a few Big Canoe goodies in it,” Mike explains. “We’re doing something very different, to bring in all the people who might not play golf and want to pick from a nice mix of items that celebrate what makes Big Canoe special.”
Not lost on Miller or Alison “Ali” Littley, the Pro Shop merchandiser who has been ordering Big Canoe collectibles, is the upcoming holiday season. Ali has selected an array of Big Canoe-branded kitchen items, such as wine glasses, coffee mugs, and Lazy Susans; clothes such as hoodies, sweatshirts, belts and assorted hats. And even items especially specific to Big Canoe, such as baseball caps each featuring Big Canoe’s most iconic animal residents: A bald eagle and a black bear. She also has ordered Big Canoe-branded blankets, magnets and Christmas ornaments, which at press time are scheduled to arrive shortly.
Among the many non-Big Canoe items on the block are the line of Simply Southern T-shirts and apparel, fall-themed dish towels and more bear-focused items than you can shake a picnic basket at. Also, look for Spartina brand goods including jewelry, handbags, scarves and other apparel.
Speaking of Big Canoe’s favorite furry critters, Ali has taken the Trading Post to another level with a bear-themed welcome sign available for purchase. Even the shop’s signature signage features a mini-canoe occupied by a lounging bear under the words “Welcome to the Trading Post.”
“We’re always happy to help folks knock off as many things as possible from their Christmas shopping list,” Mike says, “but what we really want everyone to know is that they can find all their Big Canoe items right here in the Clubhouse.”
New items are arriving every few days as the Trading Post, like all brick-and-mortar operations, contend with supply chain-related delays – so be sure to stop in regularly and check out what new shipments have arrived.
The Trading Post is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All Property Owners are entitled to 10 percent off and golf amenity members are entitled to 20 percent off all items. These regular discounts cannot be combined with the 25 percent shirt discount available on Oct. 15. Info: (706) 268-3323.
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