It’s been several years since a new business has cropped up in St. Regis, adding new life to the local economy and offering residents another outlet for shopping.

Elisa Delaurenti recently transplanted from Plains to St. Regis and she’s very happy to see the new store.

“I’m thrilled to see [The Mangy Moose] here in St Regis!” Delaurenti said. “The gardening goods, sporting goods, such a variety of affordable goods for everyone! I used to drive all the way to Plains to visit their store there, and now it’s less than a mile from my home!”

Owners Steven and Tamisha Hardy were hard at work the past two weeks prepping their new Mangy Moose outlet in St. Regis. The entrepreneur couple from Idaho moved to Montana after a stint in commercial truck driving and purchased their first Mangy Moose store in Thompson Falls one-and-one-half years ago.

In January the couple took on the shop in Plains, then this spring they purchased the old antique store building in St. Regis in mid-May. As husband and wife get their third location up and running, they were also preparing for the arrival of their fourth baby due in early June.

“We should be opening on June 1 as long as the baby doesn’t decide to come early!” Tamisha said. “We’ve always been speedy about getting everything put together, so I think it will work out okay.”

The store successfully met its deadline of a grand opening on June 1, to dozens of local residents anxious to see what the store has to offer.

Store manager Randy Lybert tallied nearly 100 customers last Monday. He and two other employees will operate the Mangy Moose location in St. Regis.

Zach Lott and Jasmine Jones live near the shop and were the store’s official first customers the morning the doors opened.

“It’s good to see something like this in St. Regis. Has a little something for everyone!” Lott said.

St. Regis resident Zach Desoto and his son Isaac made the first cash purchase with their dollar now framed on the wall at the Moose. Desoto said the store “is a big thing for a small town.” Him and his sons plan to shop their often for fishing gear and sporting goods.

Patrons will find an array of Montana themed gifts, guns and ammo, home décor, scrapbooking items, clothing, children’s toys and sporting goods. A garden center will be put in next year. The store will obtain its license to sell guns and ammunition sometime in July.

Lybert said customer responses were very positive.

“Almost everyone says the same thing, we are so happy to have you here!” Lybert said.

The store is located just off Montana 135 at 2 Lobo Loop. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their phone number is 406-218-8539.