Simsbury Small Business Spotlight: Vincent's Sports Shop

Simsbury Small Business Spotlight is a new weekly feature that will highlight a vital piece of the fabric of any small town—small businesses.

The following is an interview conducted Ken Chapman, owner of Vincent's Sports Shop.

This week's spotlight business was recommended by Simsbury Main Street Partnership.

When did your business open? Is it locally-owned?

Vincent Sports Shop was started in 1973 by two brothers Tim and Tom Vincent. Father Elmer Vincent had hoped the two brothers would take over the Funeral Home when he retired. However, Tim and Tom decided to pursue a new challenge and dive into something that they were passionate about which was Sports. Tim was a traveling Salesman with Rawlings so the everyday business operations were done by Tom and Ken Chapman. In 2000, Tom Vincent had become the First Selectman of Simsbury and had decided to sell the Business to long time employee Ken Chapman. Kenny the Owner of Vincent Sports Shop currently lives in Simsbury with his Wife Nancy, and his four children Hunter (10th Grade) Riley (8th Grade), Cole (5th Grade) and Mackenzie (3nd Grade) who are actively involved the High School and Youth Sports Programs here in Simsbury. 

This year will be Vincent Sports Shop’s 40th Year Anniversary.

What types of services/products do you offer?

Services: Screen Printing, Embroidery, Skate Sharpening, Team Uniforms, Custom Apparel.

Products: Offer Quality Sporting Equipment and apparel for all sports. Baseball, field hockey, softball , soccer, football, lacrosse, squash, tennis, paddle tennis, hockey, basketball, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, backyard sporting games and so much more.

We offer a wide variety of custom apparel. If we do not have it in the store we can order it for you. 

Why did you decide to open your business in Simsbury?

I grew up playing sports here in Simsbury and wanted to continue to service the sporting community here in the Farmington Valley

What is your mission/goal as a Simsbury business owner?

Our goal is to provide quality sporting equipment and apparel with the best customer Service possible. We have an experienced staff here at Vincent Sports Shop that has the ability to outfit any age/level athlete.

How did you get your start?

I started as an employee and worked my way up into management and eventually was offered to buy the Store.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

We are continually working hard to reach out to our customers through the internet and social media networks. If you get the chance, we recommend that you check out our website or “Like us” on Facebook to see upcoming Events that are happening here at Vincent’s. We will post Specials, Sales that are coming and even Local Sports News.

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business: Vincent Sports Shop
Owners: Ken Chapman
Address: 776 Hopmeadow St Simsbury, CT
Phone number: 860 658 5419
Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat 9-5 Sun Closed
Website: VincentSportShop.com