Tylor Duncan is now leading MacDonald’s Sporting Goods in Portage la Prairie, becoming the fourth-generation owner of the family business. His transition follows decades of operation by his father, Wade Duncan, and previous generations dating back to the early 1950s.
A family legacy continues
Duncan says the gradual handover began last year, with his father reducing his workload from six or seven days a week to four or five.
“It’s been his dad and his dad’s dad before him, so I’m generation four now,” he notes. “We’re trying to keep the business going.”
The store, originally a grocery, barbershop, and comic book retailer before focusing solely on sporting goods, has operated from the same location for over 70 years. Duncan emphasizes his focus on preserving its legacy.
“I want to keep the family tradition alive and keep the business here for many years to come,” he adds.
Adapting to industry shifts
Duncan acknowledges challenges in recent years, particularly stricter firearm regulations.
“The last five to ten years, there’s been bigger changes in the firearm industry,” he continues. “Lots of restrictions on certain firearms now. We just gotta adapt.”
The store continues to offer custom orders, inviting customers to “let us know what you’re looking for.”
Wade Duncan remains involved part-time, with plans to scale back further in coming years. His son, meanwhile, aims to maintain the store’s role as a community staple.
“If [my sisters] want to come here, they’re welcome too,” he says. “But I don’t think they want to.”