Click below to listen to the full conversation between 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck and Chad Pickens, general manager of Great Outdoor Provision Company!
“The Buzz at Blue Hill” is an exclusive radio presentation in partnership with Trinsic Residential Group on 97.9 The Hill. Each month, a new guest will be sharing their unique perspectives and stories as people who live, work and play as part of Chapel Hill’s most dynamic and developing neighborhood. As the Blue Hill District continues to undergo significant renewal and transformation, from walking paths and bike paths running past residences to sidewalk cafés and commercial properties, check back here each month for a new interview!
This month, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck was joined by Chad Pickens, general manager of Great Outdoor Provision Company! Founded in the ’70s and located in Eastgate shopping center since the early ’00s, Great Outdoor Provision Company has been supplying adventures in nature for decades — keeping things local while always looking to the next horizon.
“When I first came to this shop in 2011, it was a destination shop,” said Pickens. “So, everybody would drive to come to us, and they would open the door and say, ‘I’m here for Product X.’ What’s happened now, with all these people living in this thriving district, is that there’s walkability, there’s people on bicycles. A lot of people open that door and they walk in and they say, ‘gosh, I’ve never even heard of your store! What do you have to show me?’ And it’s just a very different environment. It’s fun to have that sense of community building that we’ve got as a result of the changes here in Blue Hill over the last five years or so.”
According to Pickens, the personal touch and specific expertise provided at local small businesses like Great Out Door Provision company make all the difference.
“If we’re doing this right, we’d like to be the public library of the outdoors,” said Pickens. “You can come in and ask for something, and either we’re gonna be able to provide that knowledge or that product immediately, or we’re gonna have the resources to help you find the answers to those things.”
Listen above for the full conversation!
“The Buzz at Blue Hill” is an exclusive radio presentation in partnership with Trinsic Residential Group on 97.9 The Hill. Each month, a new guest will be sharing their unique perspectives and stories as people who live, work and play as part of Chapel Hill’s most dynamic and developing neighborhood. As the Blue Hill District continues to undergo significant renewal and transformation, from walking paths and bike paths running past residences to sidewalk cafés and commercial properties, check back here each month for a new interview!
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