Marquette Ski Shop Navigates Tariff-Driven Price Shifts

The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop owner Brandon Croney discusses how international supply chain changes are impacting equipment costs and customer service.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Compound, a popular ski and snowboard shop in Marquette, Michigan, is navigating the challenges of rising equipment prices due to international tariffs. Owner Brandon Croney explains how larger brands are trying to balance the tariff increases, while smaller companies are passing on the full price hikes to retailers. Despite the changes, Croney is focused on providing quality customer service and negotiable pricing to keep skiers and snowboarders on the slopes.

Why it matters

As a hub for winter sports enthusiasts in the Upper Peninsula, The Compound's ability to offer affordable, quality equipment is crucial. The store's approach to managing tariff-driven price increases while maintaining its community-focused service model serves as an example of how local businesses can adapt to global supply chain disruptions.

The details

The Compound orders its ski and snowboard gear from manufacturers around the world. Just under a year into the latest round of international tariffs, store owner Brandon Croney says the industry is seeing across-the-board price increases. Larger brands are trying to offset the tariffs by offering free shipping or other incentives, while smaller companies are passing on the full price hikes to retailers like The Compound. Despite the changes, Croney is committed to keeping prices negotiable and providing added value through services like free mounting and waxing to offset the higher equipment costs.

  • The Compound has been navigating the tariff-driven price shifts for just under a year.
  • The store is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The players

The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop

A popular ski and snowboard shop located in Marquette, Michigan that serves as a hub for winter sports enthusiasts in the Upper Peninsula region.

Brandon Croney

The owner of The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop, who is navigating the challenges of rising equipment prices due to international tariffs.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to see a few dollars more per gloves, maybe fifty dollars more for a pair of skis, but skiing is already an expensive sport. I don't let the countries or the tariff worries interfere with that, because popularity is popularity.”

— Brandon Croney, Owner, The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop (wzmq19.com)

“The brands are trying to get creative in figuring out ways to balance those tariffs. We might get free shipping on a large pre-season order, knowing that they did have to increase some of their prices, and they are very up front with us that it's for the tariff reason. On the other hand, we are seeing a price increase from smaller companies with no balance.”

— Brandon Croney, Owner, The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop (wzmq19.com)

“We do understand that prices can make or break a sale sometimes, but I would prefer that you come in here and gain some knowledge, and with that extra 10 or 50 dollars that might be of increase, we're hoping to recoup that with a free mount or a free wax.”

— Brandon Croney, Owner, The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

The Compound Ski & Snowboard Shop will continue to monitor the evolving tariff situation and work to provide the best possible value and service to its customers throughout the upcoming ski season.

The takeaway

The Compound's approach to managing tariff-driven price increases while maintaining its community-focused service model demonstrates how local businesses can adapt to global supply chain disruptions and keep their customers engaged and satisfied.