14 WEEKLY 2025
MAY
VOL 3 • NO. 17
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B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
NEW SPORTING GOODS STORE IN GARDNER ALREADY SERVING BALDWIN CITY FAMILIES “There’s a strong demand for sports gear not just in Gardner, but in nearby communities like Baldwin City,” said Lacie Griffin. “We’re excited to provide a local option for families who don’t want to spend hours driving just to get a pair of cleats.” Quick, Reliable, and Close to Home Hometown Sports Gear focuses on essential youth sports items—cleats, gloves, mouthguards, socks, and other items that often need to be tried on or replaced last-minute. With a curated selection of trusted brands and a staff that understands local athletes’ needs, the store is quickly becoming a go-to for families looking for personalized service and convenience. Since opening, the shop has already welcomed customers from Baldwin City—often stopping by while in Gardner for dinner or errands. And the Griffins hope to expand that relationship. “We’ve seen interest from Baldwin families in things like sunglasses, pickleballs, and team gear,” said Griffin. “As we grow, we plan to bring in more apparel for Baldwin schools and partner with coaches and athletic directors to better serve local teams.” For Baldwin City families with student athletes and busy sports seasons, a new option just 15 miles away is already making life a little easier. Hometown Sports Gear, a locally owned sporting goods store, opened its doors in March at 929 E. Lincoln Ln. in Gardner. The shop aims to fill a much-needed gap in youth and school sports equipment for families across southern Johnson County—offering a convenient, community-driven alternative to the long drive to Overland Park or Olathe. Owned by longtime Gardner residents Lacie and Matt Griffin, the store was born out of years of family conversations and a shared vision for meeting a local need.
Giving Back to Local Programs The store isn’t just selling gear—it’s investing in youth sports. For every school t-shirt sold, Hometown Sports Gear donates $1 back to local schools. This summer, they’ll also be hosting hot dog fundraising lunches to support area teams. The Griffins are currently focused on building strong partnerships in Gardner, but they see Baldwin City as a natural next step. Plans are already in the works to connect with local Parks and Rec programs and schools, with ideas like bringing specialty gear—such as wrestling shoes—to school events so families can order the right sizes without needing to travel.
A Better Alternative for Baldwin Families With competitive pricing and a hometown feel, Hometown Sports Gear offers a practical and affordable option for Baldwin families during busy sports seasons. Whether it’s replacing lost gear or gearing up for the season ahead, the store combines the reliability of bigname brands with the heart of a small business. “As parents ourselves, we know the stress that comes with youth sports,” said Griffin. “We’re here to make that just a little easier—for Gardner, Baldwin, and beyond.”
“We’re excited to provide a local option for families who don’t want to spend hours driving just to get a pair of cleats.” -LACIE GRIFFIN