Play It Again Sports Opens New Saline Location, Expanding Access to Affordable Sports Equipment
The opening of Play It Again Sports in Saline provides families with affordable access to quality sports equipment while promoting sustainability through the resale model.
Play It Again Sports has opened its newest location in Saline, Michigan, bringing the popular sporting goods resale concept to local families seeking affordable athletic equipment. The store, located at 551 E Michigan Ave, offers both new and gently used sports and fitness gear including football equipment, baseball gloves and bats, hockey gear, golf clubs, soccer gear, lacrosse equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, weights, and other athletic necessities.
The new store is owned by Jen and Rick Karcher, Michigan natives who returned to the state after a decade in Florida. As parents of three active children and longtime Play It Again Sports customers themselves, the Karchers recognized the need for a local sporting goods store that could make athletics more accessible and affordable for families. Their personal experience with sports, including Rick and their son's professional baseball backgrounds, informs their approach to serving the community.
Beyond simply selling equipment, the Karchers plan to partner with local teams, host demonstration days, and provide discounts to encourage broader participation in sports. "Sports have always been at the heart of our family," said Jen Karcher. "We know what it takes to keep up with an active lifestyle and how valuable it is to have a place like Play It Again Sports that lets families explore new activities without the high cost or pressure of competitive sports."
The grand opening celebration runs from November 6 through November 9, featuring daily promotions including gift card giveaways, raffles for items like a Pit-Pat Walking Pad, Detroit Lions pop-up canopy tent, Cleveland putter, and golf balls. Customers can also enjoy local treats from area bakeries, Cottage Inn pizza slices, and visits from local vendors like SISU Mouthguard. Throughout the weekend, customers spending $75 will receive Sports Bucks, with double FiveStars points available on Sunday.
The store's business model emphasizes sustainability by accepting new and quality used equipment from community members, paying customers on the spot for items rather than operating as a traditional consignment store. This approach keeps sports equipment in circulation rather than ending up in landfills, aligning with the broader mission of parent company Winmark – the Resale Company®, which has helped recycle over 2 billion items since 2010 through its various franchise brands.
Play It Again Sports is part of a growing resale economy that addresses both economic and environmental concerns. With over 300 franchised stores in the United States and Canada, the company provides an alternative to purchasing new equipment while supporting small business formation. The Saline location represents continued expansion for the brand, which operates under Winmark Corporation's portfolio that also includes Plato's Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore, and Music Go Round franchises. For more information about the new location, visit https://playitagainsports.com/locations/saline-mi/.