In a world increasingly dominated by e-commerce giants and generic big-box stores, Delancey Sports has emerged as a distinctly personal, community-rooted alternative that blends athletic gear, local spirit, and even retro arcade games. The sporting goods retailer, co-founded by Erika Mozes and Josh Karam, has become a cottage country favourite, with three locations across Haliburton and Muskoka in Ontario. In just five years, what started as an impromptu response to the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a growing regional brand with national ambitions—and even a collaboration with one of Canada’s most iconic lifestyle names.
“We were running a tech company in New York City when the pandemic hit,” said Karam in an interview with Retail Insider. “New York was the epicentre, and we had to get out. So we left everything behind and came back to Canada.”
Settling in Haliburton, the couple found themselves drawn to the rhythms of a more outdoor, sport-oriented lifestyle, and quickly noticed a gap in the market.
“We were shocked there wasn’t a dedicated, modern sporting goods store serving the community,” said Mozes. “There was clearly an opportunity.”
By late 2020, Delancey Sports had opened its first store in Haliburton. The name, a nod to their old apartment at Delancey and Suffolk in Manhattan, served as a kind of tribute to their former lives. “We even named our lake house ‘The Suffolk,’” Mozes added with a laugh. “It just felt right to carry that energy into this next chapter.”
Retail With a Twist: Enter the Arcade
Today, Delancey Sports operates three storefronts: the original 1,500-square-foot Haliburton location, a seasonal pro shop at Sir Sam’s Ski Hill (launched in 2022), and a larger 2,500-square-foot space in Bracebridge opened in 2024. What sets Delancey apart—beyond its curated product mix—is the unexpected presence of a speakeasy-style arcade tucked into the back of its Bracebridge and Haliburton shops.
“I always wanted to open an arcade,” said Karam. “Standalone arcades aren’t always viable from a business perspective, but we realized it could work as a feature that added value to our retail concept.”
The arcade charges a flat $5 entry fee, with all games on free play. “It’s all sports-themed and family-friendly,” Mozes explained. “It gives parents a chance to shop, drop off their kids, or even just hang out with them.”
The idea proved to be more than just fun—it became a community touchpoint. “We’re seeing kids on PD days, grandparents babysitting grandkids—people love it,” said Karam. “There aren’t many intergenerational activities that work for everyone. This ended up being one.”
Curated for Cottage Country
Delancey Sports is not your average sporting goods store. The company focuses on high-quality, emerging brands with a strong Canadian component.
“We’re obsessed with sports ourselves, and everything we carry is tested or vetted by us,” said Mozes. “We’re proud to offer products that you won’t find in a typical big box.”
Brands like Left on Friday, Malvados, and Craft are part of the core assortment. “We’re also constantly looking to add more Canadian brands,” Mozes said. “It’s about showing people what’s new, what performs, and what aligns with the lifestyle out here.”
The company’s strategy targets both year-round residents and seasonal visitors in Ontario’s cottage country. “There’s been a huge population shift since 2020, with more people spending extended time in places like Haliburton and Muskoka,” said Karam. “These are active communities that want great gear. We’re here to serve them.”
From Whistler to Bracebridge: A Roots Partnership is Born
Delancey’s latest milestone is a co-branded product collaboration with Roots, the iconic Canadian lifestyle brand. What began as a chance visit to the Roots store in Whistler turned into something much larger.
“We were just skiing in Whistler and walked into the store,” said Karam. “We saw the location-specific product—like Roots Whistler—and thought, why isn’t there a Roots Halliburton or Roots Muskoka?”
Back home, they reached out to Roots and were thrilled when the brand agreed to collaborate. “For small business owners like us, this is a dream,” said Mozes. “As a kid in Ottawa, I used to go to the Roots store in Westboro. I still have vintage Roots pieces from back then.”
The first co-branded items launched last month in Bracebridge to coincide with the town’s 150th anniversary. Limited to just 150 hoodies and 150 t-shirts, the capsule collection sold briskly. Halliburton’s version is set to launch on Canada Day weekend.
“What’s really special is that Halliburton borders Algonquin Park, where the founders of Roots actually met,” said Karam. “So the Halliburton collection is inspired by that heritage, by the Algonquin vibe.”
Looking to the Future: Expansion and E-Commerce
While the co-founders are not rushing into new openings, expansion remains on the horizon. “I’d be surprised if we didn’t open more stores in the future,” said Karam. “There are still underserved towns, especially with ski hills or strong summer populations. The demand is there.”
In the meantime, the team is focusing on optimizing the existing stores and building out their e-commerce presence. “We already ship across Canada,” said Mozes. “But we want to continue growing in a way that stays true to what makes us different: community, curation, and authenticity.”
Delancey’s digital presence is also being used to spotlight Canadian brands and introduce them to a national audience. “It’s not just about selling product, it’s about telling stories,” said Mozes. “That’s what people connect with.”
Navigating Retail Challenges: Tariffs and Tight Margins
Like many Canadian retailers, Delancey Sports has been affected by rising import tariffs, particularly on goods not manufactured domestically.
“Tariffs have been a challenge,” admitted Karam. “They haven’t been a nightmare, but they’ve definitely forced us to rethink some of our ordering decisions.”
Mozes added that while retail margins are already tight, they’re committed to making it work. “The reality is, we’ve become more focused on sourcing locally where we can,” she said. “That’s also why partnerships like the one with Roots make so much sense.”
A New Chapter for Small-Town Retail
Delancey Sports is more than a store — it’s a reflection of a lifestyle, a location, and a post-pandemic reinvention. For Mozes and Karam, the journey from Manhattan tech entrepreneurs to rural Ontario retailers may have been unexpected, but it’s one they’ve fully embraced.
“We’re entrepreneurs at heart,” said Mozes. “This wasn’t part of the plan, but it’s the best kind of surprise. We love what we’re building, and we’re excited about what comes next.”
