It’s one of Huntsville’s most popular stores — appearing quaint from the outside, and with some very fierce clothing on the inside. But it’s more than just a unique brand and great-looking apparel that appeal to Muskoka Bear Wear’s loyal customer base. It’s the warm and helpful service of the staff and the accessibility of the store itself that draws so many in and keeps them coming back, time and time again.

“The company actually originated in 2003 in Bracebridge, Ontario,” says part-owner Kevin Saunders. “Since then, we’ve grown into the Huntsville market and also Port Carling.”

Kevin says that when they first took over the store space in Huntsville and began renovations, accessibility was at the forefront of the design plans.

“It’s always been our first goal to make sure everyone can visit Muskoka Bear Wear and utilize the entire space,” explains Kevin. “So the first thing we did when we came in to Huntsville was design the space around accessibility.”

Along with low counters and wide aisles, one of the store’s most noticeable accessibility features is a large ramp leading up from the main level to the second level of the store. Kevin says that while people who have physical disabilities or mobility limitations benefit from having the ramp, so do people without disabilities.

“Customers really appreciate it,” he remarks. “Not only to be accessible to wheelchairs, but also to strollers and everything else — it’s always convenient to have that.”

Although the physical features play a large part in Muskoka Bear Wear’s level of accessibility, it’s also the great customer service offered by their friendly and caring staff that really makes this store an inviting place to shop for people of all abilities. Simple efforts by employees, like taking the time to ask how they can be of assistance or holding the door open for someone on their way out, have helped to create a more barrier-free and welcoming environment for everyone.

And that commitment to accessibility seems to be working quite well for the store. Along with a continually growing customer base, Muskoka Bear Wear recently won the 2009 Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Accessibility.

While everyone at Muskoka Bear Wear was proud of the accomplishment and appreciated the recognition, Kevin says that the greatest reward of all is knowing that anyone who wants to visit the store, can.

“It comes back to everyone being able to experience Muskoka Bear Wear, and that’s one of the biggest things for us,” he explains. “It’s not really about profitability — we just want customers to come in, to enjoy themselves, purchase some product or not, but still be able to tour the store.”

To learn more about Muskoka Bear Wear, you can visit their website at www.muskokabearwear.com.