The Sports Lobby
75 Main St., Camillus
Owner: Mark Butler
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How long have you been in business? This is our “grand” opening, just about 2 weeks.
What lead you to opening The Sports Lobby in the village of Camillus?
I feel that there is a demand for licensed sports merchandise in the area and I chose Camillus because that is where I reside and I want to help maintain local business. I feel that with the recent economy woes there might be a shift from the big chain stores to more of the hometown style store.
What is your favorite aspect of owning/running this business?
I love all aspects of running the business from purchasing the products, merchandising, talking to potential customers right down to seeing pictures of how the customers have used the products. It’s a love of sports, the competition, the sports atmosphere, the true passion of a sports fan that gives me the satisfaction of owning the store.
What makes your shop stand out?
The products that we carry at The Sports Lobby will be unmatched anywhere in the area. If you’re a golfer and have a favorite team we carry golf club head covers and golf towels. If you’re a bowler we have bowling towels. Want to show your allegiance to your team in the neighborhood? We carry vertical flags. Have a game room or son/daughter that loves a team? We carry team wall clocks and wastebaskets. The list goes on and on from team welcome mats to grill covers and pillow and for the do it yourselfer we carry pillow shells, stuff and sew them up to save a little money.
What do you enjoy most about running a business in the area?
The local community has been great so far. Countless numbers of locals have visited the store purchasing items and sending well wishes for our success.
What did you do previously to opening The Sports Lobby?
I have worked in sales for over 20 years and being able to combine my passion for sports and passion to sell into one.
