Jim Dalberth Sporting Goods

Jim Dalberth Sporting Goods, 925 Genesee Street

Phone: 328-9746

Email: dave@jimdalberthsportinggoods.com, dalberth@msn.com

Website: http://www.jimdalberthsportinggoods.com

Hours:: Tue. – Fri. Noon – 5:30 PM, Sat. 10:30 AM – 5 PM. Closed Sun. & Mon.

Owners:Dave Etzel

Comments: This is a specialty sporting goods shop concentrating on school athletes, but offering anyone significant discounts over other retail stores. It is located north of Brooks Ave. next to the Neighborhood Service Center. The store was established in 1956, and moved from across the street to its current location over seven years ago. At the time Dave Etzel, a long time PAC-TACer, opted to build his new building with room to also house the then NET Office which was also being displaced by the Brooks Landing renovations.

Unfortunately the two large windows on the front to the building are part of the NSC Office, leaving the window display for Jim Dalberth Sporting Goods very limited as can be seen below.

When you walk in this small entrance you are immediately impressed by how vertical this store is. The walls are lined from floor to the rafters with merchandise.

In the picture to the right the boxes on the left of the aisle hide a second narrow aisle along the north wall of the store as seen in the picture on the left.

Looking from the entry toward the back of the store, below we see Dave Etzel talking to Mark Sweetland about the merchandise he caries. General customers are a mix. Some drive in from suburbs for running shoes, some are neighbors or U of R athletes. A couple from Albion had just been in the day we visited. Most shoes are 15% off retail and apparel at 50% off retail. Some close-out shoes are 50% off. A good part of business comes from coaches who take advantage of package offers, such as for one of their specialties, track shoes. A package for a team could include running shoes, spikes, and apparel. They are one of a few stores in the area that carry wrestling equipment, such as singlets and shoes. For the last few years this is where I generally shop for sneakers. If he does not have my wide size in stock he special orders i. He is nearby to try out and pick up an order when it comes in.

Dave generally has one or two local helpers who make sure the customers are well taken care of.
There are high-quality breathable Wigwam socks made in the USA that are reasonably priced. You will also find a selection of orthotic shoe inserts.If you need to inflate your football or basketball there are air pumps and pressure gauges. Need a reflective vest for when your out running or biking? You can get one here. In fact you can find reflective vests and collars for your dog too. How about and umpire brush for when you coach Little League? They also have general sports equipment such as footballs, basketballs and baseball bats.