MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – For U.P. skiers and snowboarders, The Compound is the largest stop for all things equipment and repairs on the way to Marquette Mountain.
The store orders its gear from manufactures all over the world, and just under a year into a tariff-based shift in international imports, store owner Brandon Croney says as the industry continues to climb in pricing, its customers still deserve a chance at the right quality.
“I’m going to see a few dollars more per gloves, maybe fifty dollars more for a pair of skis, but skiing is already an expensive sport,” he explained. “I don’t let the countries or the tariff worries interfere with that, because popularity is popularity.”
A noticeable change in ordering equipment this year can depend on the size of the company, where some adjustments are made to its sellers, but only if a company is large enough to allow for that leeway.
“The brands are trying to get creative in figuring out ways to balance those tariffs,” said Croney. “We might get free shipping on a large pre-season order, knowing that they did have to increase some of their prices, and they are very up front with us that it’s for the tariff reason. On the other hand, we are seeing a price increase from smaller companies with no balance.”
As for keeping it local and memorable, Croney says adjustments in prices are easily negotiable within a service through the store.
“We do understand that prices can make or break a sale sometimes, but I would prefer that you come in here and gain some knowledge, and with that extra 10 or 50 dollars that might be of increase, we’re hoping to recoup that with a free mount or a free wax,” suggested Croney.
The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop is open open Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
