Play Again Sports is a prominent retail chain specializing in buying and selling new and gently used sports and fitness equipment. Founded in 1983 by Martha Morris in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the brand has grown significantly over the past four decades, becoming a go-to destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking quality gear at affordable prices.
A Brief History
Martha Morris established the first Play It Again Sports store with the innovative idea of creating a marketplace for second-hand sports equipment. Recognizing the demand for affordable sports gear, she tapped into a niche market that resonated with both amateur and professional athletes. The success of her initial store led to franchising in 1988, and by 1990, the brand had expanded to over 260 stores in the United States and 39 in Canada. In 1990, Morris sold the franchise rights to financial consultants Jeffrey Dahlberg and Ronald Olson, who later rebranded the company under the Winmark Corporation. Today, all Play It Again Sports stores are independently owned and operated, maintaining a strong presence across North America.
Product Range
Play It Again Sports offers a diverse inventory catering to various sports and fitness activities, including:
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Team Sports: Baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and more.
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Individual Sports: Golf, tennis, racquetball, and pickleball.
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Fitness Equipment: Weights, treadmills, exercise bikes, and yoga gear.
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Seasonal Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey equipment during winter months.
The inventory is continually updated, with new items added daily, ensuring a wide selection for customers.
Business Model and Operations
Play It Again Sports operates on a unique business model that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. The stores maintain an inventory split of approximately 40% used and 60% new equipment, offering a diverse range of products to meet various customer needs. This model not only provides cost-effective options for consumers but also promotes the reuse of sports equipment, reducing environmental impact. Many franchisees offer additional services such as skate sharpening, further enhancing their value proposition to local communities.
Community Impact and Accessibility
The brand’s commitment to affordability and accessibility has made sports participation more attainable for individuals and families. By providing a platform to buy, sell, and trade quality used sports and fitness gear, Play It Again Sports enables customers to upgrade their equipment without incurring prohibitive costs. This approach is particularly beneficial in light of recent findings that highlight the financial challenges many families face in supporting their children’s involvement in sports. A survey by Good Sports revealed that rising costs are leading 56% of parents to consider pulling their children out of sports activities, underscoring the importance of affordable options like those offered by Play It Again Sports.
Sustainability Efforts
In addition to promoting the reuse of sports equipment, Play It Again Sports has been working with communities to put used sports equipment into the hands of athletes instead of into landfills for over 40 years. This commitment to sustainability resonates with environmentally conscious consumers and contributes to the growing movement towards more sustainable retail practices.
Challenges and Adaptations
Despite its success, Play It Again Sports has faced challenges, including economic downturns that have impacted retail businesses globally. For instance, in 2024, the Fayetteville, North Carolina location closed after 25 years of operation due to economic challenges. Owner Jeff Mozingo cited the economic downturn as a significant factor in the decision to close the store, highlighting the difficulties faced by retail businesses in maintaining operations during challenging economic times.
Franchise Opportunities and Growth
As of 2024, Play It Again Sports continues to expand its footprint across North America, with over 280 locations. The brand offers franchise opportunities for individuals passionate about sports and community engagement. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support from the Winmark Corporation. The company’s focus on sustainability, affordability, and quality customer service positions it as a leader in the resale retail industry.
Customer Experience and Services
Play It Again Sports prides itself on offering exceptional customer service and product expertise. Many staff members are active athletes themselves, providing knowledgeable insights to customers seeking the right equipment for their needs. The stores operate on a no-appointment-necessary basis for selling equipment, making it convenient for customers to bring in their used gear. Sellers can receive payment on the spot or opt for trade-in value towards new or used products in the store, creating a flexible and customer-friendly experience.
Conclusion
Play It Again Sports has established itself as a valuable resource for athletes and fitness enthusiasts by combining affordability, sustainability, and community engagement. Its unique business model not only makes sports participation more accessible but also contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting the reuse of equipment. As the brand continues to adapt to changing market dynamics and consumer needs, it remains a significant player in the sporting goods retail industry.
FAQs about Play Again Sports
Where does Play It Again Sports source its used equipment?
Play It Again Sports relies on customers to supply quality used gear. Each store’s inventory is locally sourced from the community, allowing individuals to sell their gently used sports and fitness equipment. Sellers receive payment on the spot, and the items are then offered to others at a great value.
Can I shop at Play It Again Sports online?
Yes, many Play It Again Sports stores have their inventory available online. Customers can browse and purchase products through the website, with options for shipping or in-store pickup. This provides a convenient way to access a wide range of new and used sports equipment.
Does Play It Again Sports offer gift cards?
Yes, gift cards can be purchased at your nearest Play It Again Sports location. These gift cards are ideal for sports enthusiasts and can be used to purchase any items in the store. To check the balance of a gift card, customers can visit the provided link or call the specified number.
How does the buying process work at Play It Again Sports?
Customers can bring in their gently used sports and fitness equipment to a Play It Again Sports store without an appointment. A staff member will assess the items and make an offer based on condition, brand, and current inventory needs. If the offer is accepted, payment is made on the spot, or customers can opt for store credit, which may come with additional benefits.
What types of products does Play It Again Sports carry?
Play It Again Sports offers a diverse selection of new and gently used sports and fitness equipment. Their inventory includes gear for sports such as baseball, soccer, football, basketball, hockey, golf, fitness, biking, camping, watersports, racquet sports, and more. The product mix is typically around 60% new and 40% used items, providing options for various budgets and preferences.
What is Play It Again Sports’ return policy?
Play It Again Sports accepts returns within 30 days of the original purchase date for a full refund or exchange, provided items are in their original packaging and sellable condition. Customized or personalized products are non-returnable. Items must be returned to the original store of purchase along with the receipt. Online purchases can be returned by mail or at any retail store location, with customers responsible for return shipping costs.