Delancey Sports - My Haliburton Highlands

A Passion for Sports and Community

Delancey Sports

In March 2020, as New York City became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Erika Mozes and Josh Karam made a decision that would reshape their lives. “We were living at the corner of Suffolk and Delancey Street in New York City,” Josh recalls. “When the pandemic hit, we had to abandon our apartment and come back to Canada. We’d always loved visiting the Haliburton Highlands, so we decided to rent a place up here to unwind.”

That summer of escape became a turning point. “We looked at each other and thought, ‘Why not move here full time?’” says Erika. Haliburton offered everything they loved—outdoor activities, lakeside relaxation, and a vibrant year-round community. They embraced the idea of a permanent lifestyle change, and soon after, Delancey Sports was born.

The Origin of Delancey Sports

Naming the store after their former street in New York City was more than a nod to their past. “When we relocated to Haliburton, we named our new cottage ‘The Suffolk’ as a reminder of our old home,” Josh explains. “So when we opened the store, we thought it fitting to call it Delancey Sports.”

The store fills a gap left by the closure of Sharpley Source for Sports, a longstanding community staple. “We walked into JoAnne Sharpley’s store when we first moved here, saw the ‘closing out’ sale, and wondered why. When we found out she was retiring, it just clicked for us—someone needed to reopen a sporting goods store here, and that someone was us,” says Erika.

Erika and Josh

Catering to a Growing, Active Community

Since opening, Delancey Sports has quickly become a hub for Haliburton’s sports enthusiasts. “We specialize in everything from hockey and curling to outdoor running and fitness,” Josh explains. “Our goal is to offer products and brands that locals can’t easily get elsewhere, while also introducing new innovations in sporting goods.”

The store’s hockey department has become a focal point, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the sport. “Hockey has strong roots in Haliburton,” Josh continues. “We wanted to be a reliable source for everything hockey, and we’ve expanded our inventory to meet the demand.”

Expanding Beyond the Storefront

As they listened to their customers, Erika and Josh recognized new opportunities to serve Haliburton’s active population. One of their key expansions was the introduction of a gear swap program, which allows locals to buy and sell gently used sporting goods. “It’s a way for us to help families get affordable, high-quality gear while giving equipment a second life,” says Erika. “The community really embraced it.”

In addition to their main location, Delancey Sports also expanded into a second location at Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride. “We’re big alpine skiers, and when the opportunity came up to operate a pro shop at the base of the hill, we jumped at it,” says Josh. “We had a blast opening that second location, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to service the ski and snowboard community in a more hands-on way.”

Delancey storefront

Strengthening Local Ties

Supporting local teams and clubs is central to Delancey Sports’ mission. “We’re proud to sponsor the Haliburton Huskies and the Haliburton Curling Club,” says Josh. “It’s important to us that we give back to the community that has welcomed and supported us.”

Their approach to business is deeply rooted in the local culture, and they take pride in helping the community thrive. “Haliburton is a very outdoorsy, vibrant place,” says Erika. “It’s not just a retirement community. There’s so much potential here for people to start businesses and contribute to the growth of the area.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and New Ventures

With Delancey Sports now firmly established, Erika and Josh have their sights set on new ventures. “One of our goals is to diversify the business with additional revenue streams,” Erika shares. “We’ve talked about opening an arcade in town, something that would give kids a fun place to go after school.”

Josh echoes that sentiment, adding, “We’ve learned so much in the last three years of running this business, and we see tremendous opportunities here. Our goal is to continue expanding Delancey Sports and possibly open other businesses in the area.”

Main service counter

From Setbacks to Success

For Erika Mozes and Josh Karam, the challenges of recent years have tested their resilience, but their entrepreneurial spirit has seen them through. “We’re incredibly proud of how we’ve weathered the storms of COVID and the economic downturn,” says Josh. “It’s been tough, but we’ve come out the other side stronger and ready for what’s next.” As they look forward to the 2024 spring and summer season, they are optimistic. “We feel well-positioned for the upswing, and we’re excited to continue growing and evolving the business,” adds Erika.

Delancey Sports is not just a sporting goods store; it has become a cornerstone of Haliburton’s active lifestyle. Erika and Josh’s journey reflects their deep connection to the community they now call home. “We’re proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re excited for what the future holds,” says Erika. “Haliburton has so much potential, and we’re grateful to be a part of its growth.”