Local Sports Retail Store Doubles As Community Hub In Unique Business Service

What looks like a sports apparel store, owner Mark Million of The Capital PTBO created a community hub for the sports community in downtown Peterborough that opened on Monday.

Mark Million also works as a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store is located at 370 George St. N. and sells sports apparel such as hats, shirts and collectibles but offers a venue for other sports outlets. The space offers free rental space for events such as sports banquets, press conferences or fantasy draft parties.

Customers can use the space as a library for sports books available on-site, play table hockey or watch the game at no charge in a safe and welcoming environment.

"We're not here to make money off you. We're here to let you enjoy the moment,” said Million. “The downtown has for some generations of people, it has a stigma attached that isn't always true. It's not a scary space, it's a safe space run by entrepreneurs."

@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic

Million worked in retail with his brother for roughly four years before making a career change to a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. The brothers went back to retail after a friend’s suggestion to open a business since a major store closed its doors last February which left a void in the sports apparel market.

“Retail was my first love and I’ve done it for many, many years,” reflected Million. “National Sports announced that they were closing so that really started to move the ball forward. If we were to take a shot, go for it.”

The logo is made of wood and was crafted by Million’s son, Cole. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store’s name carries local roots as the logo was designed by Mary Bucholtz of Bechwood Design. The Market Hall clock tower represents Million’s family lineage and heritage that was in Peterborough’s history.

"My grandfather's grandfather (on my mom's side) had the first business under the clock way back in the 1840s-50s," said Million. “He had a fish market, it was the first one underneath the clock tower so to bring that was fun.”

The store currently carries Electric City Football Club apparel and is in the process of getting rights to sell Peterborough Petes merchandise.

“It's a no-brainer for us to be involved in local sports and there's such a rich history here between lacrosse, hockey and Electric City soccer team that was around 120 years ago,” said Million.

Despite the space looking like a retail store at first glance, coming inside the store will show the true experience The Capital PTBO has to offer.

“Come and check out our space, don't buy anything,” said Million. “I don't need the sale as much I need you to understand what this space could mean for your sports organization or for your club or whatever the case may be. We want it to be a space to be inclusive for anyone that's comfortable to do that sort of thing.”

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