Fort Frances convenience store Ski’s Variety is changing hands and will soon become Rosey’s Convenience, Janice Neurinski, one of the outgoing owners, said.
The announcement first came to the public light on Monday afternoon when Neurinski posted on social media, informing customers of the change and thanking the community for the support of the years. Ski’s has been co-owned by Janice and Jon Neurinski since late 2018. Janice said their goal during the time of ownership was to be a cornerstone to community initiatives, vendors and entrepreneurs.
“Our goal really was to just be a community-based store that supported local vendors and entrepreneurs,” Janice said. “That’s really been our main focus. Having people selling their local products and supporting the local community through some initiatives that we’ve had. We did a back to school food drive where folks donated items that kids could take in lunches, we did a mitten drive one year where people donated 144 pairs of mittens that were then brought to the local schools for kids to have. We also did trial-sized hygiene products, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and we distributed those to the local organizations that help people in need.”
“That’s always kind of been our goal. To be a storefront or a place where people could have their products, but also a place that we could help the community,” Janice said.
Despite enjoying working with the community, Janice said their lives have become a bit too busy to carry on with ownership of the store.
“Our kids are super busy, high school and lots of sports and activities,” she said. “I’m working full time as a nurse. It’s just kind of run its course, and we feel like somebody with a little more time and effort to put into it can make it continue on as what it’s become for the community.”
New owners of the location are Tom and Jersey Rose, a father and daughter local to the area. Jersey has been working the register at Ski’s for three years, so customers will have the same familiar face meeting them when they come in.
“It’s been a great experience working for Janice,” Jersey said. “When she had offered it to me along with mentorship to help with the changeover, it seemed like an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”
According to Jersey, the store will continue its efforts to sell items from community vendors. Some district-local businesses whose products have been carried by Ski’s are the Red Apron kitchen, Hooterville Honey, Rainy River Meats (now Petermann’s), Oh For Fudge Sake (fudge and candy vendor) and Rollin’ Fusion.
Tom is looking forward to collaborating with his daughter on the business together, saying he thinks it’ll be a great chance for her to gain valuable experience while operating Rosey’s.
“When Jersey approached me to team up on this, I thought it was a great idea. It’s a great learning experience for her, and working together is going to be great,” Tom said.
The business is set to begin officially operating as Rosey’s Convenience at the end of April.
