The Stable started as an idea in a dental chair in 1972. My new
dentist had purchased some equipment from me at Morley Brothers Ski Shop
and asked if a backpacking shop would do well in Saginaw. I informed
him that I had been working on my present employer to do just that. I
also pointed out the lack of a good bike, tennis, and ski shop in the
area.
That set the stage for our first meeting. We
gathered two other interested investors and started to draft a business
plan. Once the plan was set, all we needed was a building that was big
enough and we could afford. That's when we spotted a small "for rent"
sign on the door of an old 1860's livery stable. I will never forget
walking into the building for the first time. Here was this old livery
stable that had never been touched or remolded by anyone. It had high
ceilings, pine floors, and large doublehung windows. This building was a
dream come true, great atmosphere. However, there was no heat or
plumbing. The landlord of the building liked our idea and offered the
building for $100 per month. I can still remember us all glancing at
each other thinking what a great deal that was. We all worked our day
jobs then at night we would meet at the Stable to make the necessary
improvements so we could open the doors.
We finally
got things together and opened on May 1, 1972. Things looked pretty
sparce. Our opening inventory consisted of 12 ten speed bikes, 24
tennis raquets, a few hiking boots, tents, and backpacks. We sold the
12 bikes in three days then took the cash to Detroit to buy 15 more. We
kept repeating this for over a month until we finally felt successful
enough to have them shipped to us. That summer we sold over 400 bikes!
That first year our inventory wasn't the best but we listened to our
customers and consistantly improved the selection. In 1975, we joined a
buying syndicate and prices got even better for our customers.
From the onset it has been our goal to provide leading edge products at
very competitve prices and great service. The key to our great service
will always be well trained, enthusastic, polite people who enjoy the
sports their involved in. The Stable has been open for nearly 37 years
and we will continue our dedication to providing the very best products
with the best customer service in the area.
Address:
300 S. Hamilton
Saginaw, MI 48602
Phone: 989-799-0601
Fax: 989-799-3669
|
