Lacrosse Unlimited an Immediate Success in Garden City

When Lacrosse Unlimited opened its doors on Franklin Avenue in mid-March, there were at least three obstacles standing in the way of immediate success: a wretched economy that was unforgiving for start-up retail stores; a late opening on the part of the Garden City store to capture the spring lacrosse frenzy; and the confusion that Bagelman was still operating out of that location.

On the flip side was the pent-up demand for a lacrosse shop opening in the bedrock of lacrosse on Long Island; a hugely successful high school program on both the girls and boys side; and a flourishing youth program that drives most of these businesses.

The advantage went to the demand. Since opening March 15, business at Lacrosse Unlimited has been so robust they are having a hard time keeping some items in stock. The goal of Lacrosse Unlimited, according to the corporate offices, is for the store to generate revenue not just from Garden City, but surrounding villages like Mineola, New Hyde Park, Floral Park and Carle Place. 

The reality, however, is that Garden City's purse strings are driving revenue so far, according to store manager Jason Vergara.

“While we are still hoping to expand our reach to other towns, the fact is that Garden City is such a powerhouse, so it is not a surprise that they are dominating business,” he said.

Vergara, who played lacrosse at SUNY Oneonta after playing at East Meadow High School, worked at Lacrosse Unlimited stores in East Meadow, Huntington and Rockville Centre before taking over as store manager in Garden City two months ago. Lacrosse Unlimited has 24 stores in the East, and has never had to close a single location. And even though there is an existing store in nearby Rockville Centre, the company felt confident enough in the potential of Garden City to open a store here.

“The company knew this was a great spot and just waited for the right location to open up,” Vergara said.

Apparel, including wind breakers, sweat pants, Under Armour-type Shooting Shirts, Pinnies and shorts, are big sellers here. The parents of youth league players drive a lot of the sales but many non-lacrosse people are buying the apparel, too, because of the cool colors and designs.

Apparel and equipment specific to Garden City are also big sellers. And as other towns become more frequent shoppers, Lacrosse Unlimited will add merchandise for those teams and towns as well.

The impressive thing is that sales have been robust despite the fact Lacrosse Unlimited in Garden City missed the big spring push – which in the Northeast runs from the last two weeks in February to early March; they have also not had a holiday season - yet.

“We have new merchandise coming in for the holidays," said Vergara, itching at the opportunity. "We’re gearing up for it.”