THE DEPOT AND INDIAN LAKE OUTFITTERS

What started as a hobby with eBay sales, soon became a full-time brick-and-mortar. The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters is now a must-stop shop in Logan County. The Depot features gifts, novelty, and boutique items. Also located inside The Depot is Indian Lake Outfitters, which offers outdoor gear and equipment. 

"Some customers joke that we have everything inside our little space and if you can't find it here, then you probably don't need it anyways," said owner Brenda Moots. 

After testing its model at a local flea market, Indian Lake Outfitters took the leap and located to Downtown Lakeview in 2012. Soon enough, The Depot emerged as a second business in 2014. The town was quiet and many of the storefronts were empty. It was a goal to bring more excitement to the town.

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"When people say it takes a village, they're not kidding. We've been surrounded by so many folks that have encouraged us, educated us, taught us lessons, pulled us through, pushed us along, and loved us," Brenda said. 

Owner Brenda Moots has always lived in Logan County and her family has had several other business ventures in the Indian Lake area over the last 60 years. The Depot started at its location on East Lake Street in downtown Lakeview by default to fill an empty storefront. After two previous locations for Indian Lake Outfitters, it found its permanent location inside the Depot in 2016.

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The Depot offers space for local vendors, makers, and hobbyists to sell their wares without the added overhead expenses or staffing. Vendors can pay a minimal monthly booth rent and stock their space inside The Depot. 

"After receiving so many amazing support emails and information on how to work through the unknowns and still exist during the pandemic, we rejoined the Chamber in April of 2020," said Brenda. 

If you have not had a chance to check out The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters in Downtown Lakeview, it is a must-stop. The Depot even features a "Tiny Museum" full of Indian Lake history and memorabilia for the public to enjoy for free. The building where the storefront is currently located was once home to Uncle Ben's 5 and 10, where The Depot still uses the original shelving. 

The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters are always hiring and accepting applications for smiling faces and bubbly personalities. They are located at 115 E. Lake St, Lakeview. Check out their website www.thedepotlakeviewohio.com and www.indianlakeoutfitters.com. 

Congratulations to The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters on being named the October 2022 Business of the Month.

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