Merritt's downtown core has attracted another woman entrepreneur, adding to an increasingly varied and vibrant shopping landscape.

Davis Leathers & More opened its doors three weeks ago.

It offers motorcycle apparel and safety gear for the riding enthusiast or those who just like leather.

“I wanted to sell proper motorcycle safety helmets and for people to be able to outfit themselves without spending thousands of dollars,” says Davis.

Davis is planning to offer native jewelry, bring in clothing form tattoo artist Ed Hardy, and offer seasonal snowmobile clothing, and would also like to find a local person who would be able to take on leather alterations and repairs she says.

“I am doing my grand opening on the May long weekend to coincide with the rodeo street mall,” says Davis.

“People in Merritt have been offering really good ideas about what they would like to see in my shop.”

Davis and her husband have been living in Merritt for forty years and her husband has been working at Ardew Wood Products for 35 years.

“My husband is getting close to retirement and, over the years, his body has gotten pretty beat up,” says Davis.

“When he leaves his job, this is something we can work on together.”

The shop also offers consignment, so anyone wanting to let go of their old leather can do so while finding something new.