Hometown Sports Gear: A New Hub for Gardner’s Athletic Community
Hometown Sports Gear: A New Hub for Gardner’s Athletic Community
Gardner, KS — In a town known for its rich sports culture, a new sporting goods store is stepping up to meet the needs of local athletes and their families. Hometown Sports Gear, which opened its doors on March 8, aims to be more than just a retail outlet; it seeks to be a community hub that celebrates Gardner’s athletic spirit.
“We’re definitely a sports town,” said co-owner Matt Griffin. “With successful football, a huge wrestling team, and nearly 300 track athletes at the high school level, Gardner is thriving in sports.”
The town boasts a legacy of athletic talent, including former Royals outfielder Bubba Starling and NCAA Final Four volleyball standout Cassie Wait. However, local athletes often found themselves making long trips to big-box stores in Overland Park to find the gear they needed.
Recognizing this gap, Griffin and his wife, Laci, decided to take action. During a family trip to Colorado last September, they brainstormed the idea of opening a sporting goods store. “We wanted to create something that Gardner truly needed,” Griffin recalled. “So we went to Groundhouse Coffee and started putting our ideas on paper.”
Hometown Sports Gear is designed with a hyper-local feel, featuring a wall adorned with photos of local athletes and their families. “We wanted it to feel like Gardner,” Griffin explained. “We even did a professional photo shoot to showcase the kids in our community. Grandparents come in and love to see their grandkids on the wall.”
The store is not just about selling equipment; it’s about creating a welcoming environment. Kids are encouraged to play with balls in designated cubby-holes near the register, making it a fun destination for families. “We want it to be a place where people enjoy shopping for sports gear, not just another retail store,” Griffin said.
Hometown Sports Gear offers a wide range of merchandise, from mouthpieces and cleats to pickleball equipment. Notably, it stocks exclusive Trailblazers gear that can’t be found anywhere else in town. “We provide gear that you can’t really get anywhere else,” Griffin emphasized, highlighting their commitment to serving the community’s unique needs.
To further strengthen ties with local athletes, the Griffins consulted over three dozen coaches from the area before opening. Their feedback helped shape the store’s inventory, ensuring it reflects the specific needs of Gardner’s sports teams.
In celebration of Father’s Day, Hometown Sports Gear is hosting a mini-golf event on June 14 from 2 to 4 p.m., in partnership with neighboring businesses Planet Sub and ExBEERiment Brewing. This event aims to bring the community together and showcase the store’s commitment to “getting Team Gardner in gear.”
As Gardner continues to grow, Hometown Sports Gear is poised to become a cornerstone of the community, embodying the town’s love for sports and its athletes. With a focus on local connections and a passion for community, the Griffins are ready to make their mark in Gardner’s athletic landscape.
