Whether people tour the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame or just visit the International Bowling Campus, they'll soon be able to stop by perhaps the most unique gift shop in the sport.

SparePartz, a 900-square-foot retail outlet, will be located adjacent to the IBM/HF on the first floor of the building at 621 Six Flags Drive. Construction is moving at a feverish pace to have the shop open in advance of the Jan. 25 grand opening of the Campus.

SparePartz is the brainchild of Sandy Stein, president of Minneapolis-based Stein LLC (formerly Stein & Associates). Stein has been involved in retailing since 1981 with clients that include Brunswick, Anderson Renewal, Carlson Travel Network, Everything But Water, Red Wing Shoes, Select Comfort and ShopNBC.

"After interviewing several people, we were impressed with his retail experience," said IBM/HF Vice Chair Keith Hamilton. "Our vision is to appeal to more of the general consumer. The pro shop at the (International Training/Research Center) will appeal more to the high-end bowler.

"It will be like Walt Disney World in that everyone who goes there can come away with something fun. When people leave the Campus, we want them to take a part of it with them."

SparePartz not only will be much bigger than the shop at the IBM/HF's former home in St. Louis, it will feature merchandise from beyond the IBM/HF. Visitors will be able to purchase items from other Campus organizations such as the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, United States Bowling Congress, Strike Ten Entertainment and The Bowling Foundation in addition to the Professional Bowlers Association plus merchandise not affiliated with any organization.

"We realize this store must appeal to diverse audience that has very different emotional connections to bowling," Stein said. "We think the retail concept will deliver a terrific final experience to the museum visitor as well as an exceptional profit center for the museum operators."

SparePartz not only will feature plenty of apparel items but also bowling collectibles and other gifts. Acquiring the items will not be limited to the Texas location.

"Our long-term vision is to create a Web site and SparePartz satellite sites at major bowling events," Hamilton said.

 

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