Carmen Ross is the owner of North of 54 Second Hand Store in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

new business

New La Ronge store focuses on sustainability, cost savings

Nov 5, 2024 | 3:41 PM

A Montreal Lake Cree Nation band member has opened a new store in La Ronge designed to save customers their hard-earned dollars.

For years, Carmen Ross has dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and that finally became a reality on Monday. He opened North of 54 Second Hand Store along La Ronge Avenue that sells a range of products such as furniture, books, clothing, seasonal items, electronics, jewelry, home appliances, video games and more.

“I desired bringing a new market to town,” Ross said.

“I already had an idea of developing my business around discounts and bringing more of a price-friendly market to La Ronge since the last one has been gone. It’s been a passion of mine from many years ago to developing my business plan from January of this year.”

Ross developed his plan with the assistance of Saskatoon-based Bear Claw Business Developments. With their help, he was able to secure two grants from Community Futures Visions North and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Enterprise Foundation. If Ross was to pay for launching the business himself, he noted there would have been a much greater expense.

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Ross sources his products from locations in southern Saskatchewan, but he will likely start excepting donations from local residents in the future.

“We’ve been approached by several community members already and we are going to address that probably next week,” he said.

“We will not be accepting donations to the store. We may designate a specific time on a day off where our truck will be waiting in a parking lot, and everyone can just show up. Donations will get piled into the work truck and we will take it from there.”

Hours of operations for North of 54 Second Hand Store are Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but those hours could expand based on need. Ross mentioned opening day has brought nothing but excitement from customers.

Visions North, based in La Ronge, released a statement on Sunday celebrating the store’s opening. The organization stated the store is a need addition to the tri-communities, adding it promotes sustainability and supports local initiatives.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this new business, which not only contributes to the local economy, but also fosters a sense of community spirit,” the statement read.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com