Neechie Gear and Tatanka Boutique sharing space in Regina
- Tiffany Head | May 13, 2015
Earlier this month, Kendal Netmaker and Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway celebrated the merger of their Businesses.
Kendall Netmaker is the CEO and owner of a successful clothing line called Neechie Gear. Neechie means friend in Cree slang. It has now made its way south to Regina from Saskatoon and shares space at the Tatanka Boutique.
“I approached him with my idea with him to expanding to Regina and sharing the space with us. We talked; it was just a right time, right moment, he was looking for space to expand. We agreed to share the store 50/50,” said BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
There was ample buzz and excitement before the opening. As BigEagle-Kequahtooway was getting the store ready for Neechie Gear, she had the sign redone, which garnered some curiosity.
“A week before we had the opening, there was a women who came rushing in, and she was looking really hard, and asked,” Where’s the Neechie gear?” “Where’s your t-shirts?” We told her we had one. Because we had product from him before, you know, as a whole seller. Our supplies were dwindling before the grand opening. We didn’t want to have any additional product because we knew he was bringing in his product, but anyways to make a long story short, she came in and she was going to Edmonton and she wanted to get gifts for her friends and family. She was looking for the Neechie gear but then we were like, you’re a little bit early,” BigEagle-Kequahtooway said.
BigEagle-Kequahtooway said the grand opening was a success and many people who have never been there before came in to meet Netmaker. They had a potluck and entertainment at Segewewak, a Native art business next-door to theirs, who shares their space with them for big events.
BigEagle-Kequahtooway is happy with the Merger and says it will make their store more welcoming as she supposes people think that Tatanka boutique is exclusive, high-ended or high-priced. With Neechie Gear as a partner, she is noticing that they are gaining new clientele.
“His marketing is more wide reaching, with the exposure he’s gotten in the last year as a youth entrepreneur. As a positive role model in our communities, it’s going to encourage a lot of people to come in and see what we also have in the boutique side,” said BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
Related stories:
- Neechie Gear CEO wins CCAB award
- Neechie Gear CEO runner-up for international business award
- Another award for Kendal Netmaker
- PHOTO GALLERY: Neechie Gear unveils video story, donation to KidSport
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