From Couch Potato to Online Retailer – Toni's Story from SporttipollariShop
Hi everyone! 👋
Toni from SporttipollariShop here.
I thought I'd tell you a bit about how our own e-commerce adventure began – and why SporttipollariShop is such an important project for us. You'll also get a peek behind the scenes!
Stumbling at first – but heading in the right direction
We opened SporttipollariShop at the turn of 2024–2025. Like many budding online retailers, the beginning was, to be honest, a bit fumbling. Our first store was a bit haphazard – it worked, but usability, clarity, and, for example, product discoverability were not at the level we hoped for.
Well, nothing to do but try again!
At the turn of February and March, we decided to make a complete turnaround and build a brand new online store. We had the help of Growly Oy, to whom big thanks are due: the new online store is clear, user-friendly, and search engine optimized, just as it should be! So, if you are looking for a skilled partner for e-commerce projects, I can warmly recommend Growly. (More about them: growly.pro)
Only products we believe in ourselves
We have one important principle: all products in SporttipollariShop are ones that we use or could use ourselves.
For us, this is not just about sales – it's about well-being and making everyday life easier.
The intention is that in the future, we will make videos showing the products in practical use. Whether it's recovery tools, small everyday helpers for the home, or fitness aids – everything has been carefully selected with thought. So we don't recommend anything we wouldn't stand behind ourselves!
How did Toni and Katri end up working together?
Our collaboration with Katri started already in Porvoo.
I was then a sports journalist for the Uusimaa newspaper, and Katri worked as the physical trainer for Porvoon Salibandyseura's (PSS) F-league women's team. I regularly followed their matches and interviewed Katri many times.
Our collaboration began when I suggested that Katri create a fitness program for me. Soon after, a joint project was born: online coaching programs The Power of Nutrition – Balance in 5 Weeks, Diversify Your Outdoor Workouts – 10 Session Workout Package, and Suppleness for the Day – Break Exercises.
Katri designed the content, and I handled the filming and content production.
The idea of our own online store was already brewing then, but last autumn we finally decided to jump in properly – and here we are!
Goals for the future
An online store is, of course, never "finished" – it is constantly evolving.
Our next goals include creating our own Sporttipollari product line, which would include products related to well-being, exercise, and health under our own brand.
But all in good time. Let's take one step at a time. 🛒
What about Toni's background?
Well, even though my current fitness level is more that of a couch potato than a top athlete, I have a background in sports.
I started taekwondo in my twenties and in the 90s, I completed the SUL Level 2 coaching qualification at the Vierumäki Sports Institute through the Finnish Taekwondo Federation.
I coached beginner courses and junior competitors in Espoo – and I am also a Taekwondo A-judge, having judged in Finland and abroad.
But with family, work, and other commitments, martial arts took a break and the focus shifted... well, to the couch.
However, this makes me an excellent test subject for SporttipollariShop's products: I know what it takes when you want to get back to moving and cope better at work and in your free time.
SporttipollariShop is not just an online store for us – it's a journey towards better well-being and quality of life.
I hope you'll join us!
Regards,
Toni Degerlund
SporttipollariShop
