2026 Outstanding Independents Award Winner: Eagle Bay Mercantile

Owners: Brittany and Dave Huston

Eagle Bay Mercantile Inc. has grown steadily over the past decade, evolving from a small rural convenience store into a key service hub for residents of the Shuswap region. 

Founded in 2016 as a family-owned and locally operated business, Eagle Bay Mercantile combines community-focused leadership with a dedicated team committed to friendly service and reliable access to everyday essentials. 

The store offers a wide range of services in one location, including grocery and convenience items, a Rural Agency Liquor Store, lottery and tobacco sales, propane refills and one of the largest secure RV and boat storage facilities in the area. 

The business has continually reinvested in its operations to improve sustainability and efficiency. Upgrades across the property, including the installation of energy-efficient equipment, have reduced hydro usage while enhancing the overall customer experience. 

Known locally as the home of the “coldest beer in the Shuswap,” Eagle Bay Mercantile also hosts tastings with regional wineries and distilleries and organizes monthly giveaways that help build customer loyalty and strengthen ties with the community. 

This kind of community support remains central to the company’s mission. During the 2023 North Shuswap wildfires, the business provided free storage to residents in evacuation zones to help families protect their belongings in times of need. 

With plans to add a gas station in the future, Eagle Bay Mercantile continues to expand its role as a reliable destination for locals and visitors alike.