Pringles Sports Excellence: A Boissevain Tradition Rooted in Family, Community, and Sports

Pringles Sports Excellence has been a familiar and trusted part of Boissevain for more than six decades, and its story is one of family, community commitment, and a deep love of sport. The business began in 1962, when brothers Wayne and Del Pringle purchased Welch’s Menswear from longtime owner Jim Welch. At that time, the store focused exclusively on men’s clothing and footwear, but because Wayne, Del, and their father were actively involved with the Boissevain Border Kings as players and coaches, they began to add hockey equipment. That small addition eventually grew into a major part of the business.

In the years that followed, Wayne’s son Ken joined the family enterprise by purchasing Del’s shares in his early twenties. Today, Wayne and Ken operate the store as equal partners, and Ken’s son, Tyson, now works alongside them and is preparing to become a partner himself. The store has also evolved physically. For decades, it operated out of the Welch Building at 412 South Railway, but in 2000, the Pringles purchased the larger storefront at 364 South Railway. With nearly double the space, the store expanded to include women's clothing, a broader selection of footwear for all ages, and a more comprehensive sports section. They have also been long-standing members of the Sports Excellence buying group—more than 35 years and counting—enabling them to offer high-quality sporting goods at competitive prices. Ken now serves on the board of directors of the national organization, helping shape the future of independent sporting goods retailers nationwide.

Today, Pringles Sports Excellence offers clothing for men and women, footwear for the whole family, and an ever-growing sports department that includes skate sharpening, team uniform kits, and a popular skate trade-in program, which has resold more than 5,000 pairs of used skates over the last decade. Their custom services have also become a major part of the business. The store provides embroidery for local teams such as the Boissevain Border Kings, Boissevain Centennials, Southwest Cougars and Westman Wildcats, and offers laser engraving on wood, metal, tumblers, and other items, as well as engraving services for medals and awards.

At the heart of all of this is a philosophy passed down through generations. As Ken recalls, “When I first started at the store dad used to always say if you want to stay in business in a small town you have to make your business the destination . . . and how you do that is by customer service. He would then say if you always treat people like you would like to be treated you will be surprised how many loyal customers you will have and how far people will travel for great service. We still do our best to maintain that standard and I now preach the same advice to Tyson.” That commitment to service continues to shape every part of the business today.

The Pringle family’s connection to Boissevain runs deep. Wayne’s father moved the family to town in 1948, drawn by the opportunities that “Gasoline Alley” provided at the time. After years of working at McLeod’s Ltd., Wayne began to imagine owning his own business. He approached his brother, Del, who worked for the Town of Boissevain, and together they approached Jim Welch to purchase the men's wear store. With no collateral beyond their reputation for hard work, the brothers borrowed money from local residents and paid back every loan within five years. Wayne and his wife Laurette raised their family in Boissevain, Ken did the same, and now Tyson continues that tradition, living and working in the community that has supported the store for generations.

Pringles has earned strong regional support over the years, particularly in the sports sector, where its reputation draws customers and teams from across southwestern Manitoba. While local support is strong, the family hopes to encourage even more residents to shop locally rather than turn to online retailers—a challenge faced by small businesses everywhere. In return, the store gives generously to the community through sponsorships, products, gift certificates, and in-kind support for organizations, teams, and events throughout the region. The business also contributes to the local economy through employment—four full-time staff, three part-time employees, a sewing and alterations specialist, and two custom embroiderers—as well as business taxes and the steady stream of visitors who come to Boissevain because of their sports expertise.

Like most small, independent retailers, Pringles faces challenges from online shopping and shifts in consumer habits. The family also sees opportunities for Boissevain’s business community to grow by strengthening its retail options, filling vacant main-street buildings, and potentially attracting stores similar to Red Apple, Giant Tiger, or a dollar store to draw more shoppers downtown. For Pringles specifically, future goals include expanding their online presence, maintaining high-quality products at fair prices, and ensuring exceptional customer service remains at the heart of the business. Wayne, true to form, jokes that he plans to retire before he turns 98—but he’s not rushing.

When asked for advice to someone considering starting a business in Boissevain, the Pringles emphasize the importance of hard work, promoting your products, and managing finances wisely. And what they love most about operating in Boissevain is simple: it’s a wonderful place to raise a family, with a great school, strong community values, and the natural beauty of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park right next door.

After more than 60 years, Pringles Sports Excellence continues to be a defining part of Boissevain—an example of resilience, family dedication, and community spirit. With three generations working side by side and a commitment to serving customers near and far, the Pringles family remains proud to call Boissevain home as they look ahead to the future with the same energy and passion that started it all in 1962.