On February 28, 1954, Dale Keiger, who had just been discharged from the US army that morning, came to China Grove as a partner in his new career as manager of a men's clothing store – the YOUNG MEN'S SHOP. Dale and Gayle married in October of that same year. In August of 1956, circumstances dictated the end of the store partnership, with Dale and Gayle becoming the sole owners. Dale has in a frame the very first dollar taken in that first day as sole proprietor.

The good folks of China Grove were very generous with their hospitality (and business) and the clothing business remained unchanged for a number of years. In the early 1970's "mall shopping" became widespread and in a small town like China Grove, we realized the need for something different. That was the beginning of a conversion from men's clothing to the sporting goods business. We already had the friendships and urging from several local coaches that a local sporting goods store was needed, and they were true to their promise of support.

Kevin was already into middle school sports, so naturally his interest was much greater in the changeover than in the need for "good clothes". He grew with the business and picked up a lot of good information even before graduating from high school and then Catawba College. At that time he became a full-time associate. All the while, Dale and Gayle pursued the day-to-day operation, with Dale as primary salesman and store manager and Gayle as secretary and accounting manager.

When Kevin joined the business full-time, we began covering a larger territory and soon it was necessary to add to the sales force. Through the years we have been very fortunate to employ some very talented and motivated men on our team.
We recognize that we are not among the giants of the industry, so in order to compete we try to give our customers things not always available other places. Our goal is to offer the best well-known quality products that we can find at a reasonable price with service to back it up.

We maintain a retail storefront at 106 S. Main Street in China Grove, open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. We will welcome you in person or gladly receive a telephone call or email.

 

We thank you for your business!