What’s new on I-75? The expanded Olde English Outfitters, and Archery Super Store, opening Friday, September 20. (Press Pros Feature Photo)
After 50 years of being your neighborhood gun store, Olde English outfitters’ new archery center, adjacent to their current store, is about to open to the public…and open some eyes across Ohio in what a gun store and archery center can mean to the future of the shooting sports.
By Ray Reilly for Press Pros
It is with a particular pleasure that I share my latest offering, heralding the opening next week of Olde English Outfitters’ gleaming new Archery Super Center on Ginghamsburg Road, in Tipp City.
And while my opinion may not be more credible than anyone else’s…I do have my experience. Few people have traveled the country more than I, or have been in more outdoors stores!
Few appreciate more the loyalty of a sponsor like Olde English, who not only supports this writer’s monthly efforts on an outdoors page, but is one of the original charter sponsors of Press Pros Magazine, all the way back in 2010!
In a press release this week Olde English announced the officially opening of their new facility, off I-75, on Friday, September 20, with an ‘open house’ touring opportunity from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, following by the opening of the indoor archery range the following day, Saturday, September 21st.
Now why is this such a big deal?
The Olde English target area, offering both trial and competitive shooting opportunities…the future of the shooting sports!
Well one, it represents a personal, ‘independent’ family business dedicated to outdoors enthusiasts, hunters, and target shooters unlike most you’ll find. And in fact, with Olde English’s spacious ‘try-before-you-go’ range, and competition facilities, it might stand alone in Ohio.
For that matter, compare it to most of the big box chains that we’re all familiar with – Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, and Scheels – and I doubt that any of those ‘corporations would compete with the English family for quality products, and that feeling of doing business with a trusted neighbor. You’ll never experience that with the afore-mentioned three.
“We’re thrilled to expand our footprint in Tipp City, Ohio,” says Olde English president, Evan English. “And with the opportunity to bring more outside people to our vibrant community. With an expanded line of quality archery products, and our knowledgeable professional staff, we welcome the opportunity to provide an unforgettable archery experience to old and new clients, alike.”
Two, the Olde English expansion provides heightened transparency to an industry under constant seige, and at a critical time. I’m talking about the shooting sports industry and the American culture of hunting that’s as much an outdoors tradition as seeing a Bald Eagle. And that transparency is simply this…a family business dedicated to the ethical and responsible future of shooting sports – for young and old, alike.
From my own perspective, as a hunter I know that 75% of the national budget for wildlife protection and conservation comes through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses by hunters and fishermen. And yet, when you walk into one of the corporate box stores that’s not the impression you leave with. It’s a place to buy, period – retail, for retail’s sake.
Is Olde English unique in that respect? No, because there have always been small family firearms and archery stores known for not only selling a new hunter his first gun, but teaching him how, and when, to use it. So unique? No. An endangered species? Yes.
And those same independent businesses have provided personal defense training, as Olde English does; and the market for female shooters who have carry/conceal permits is one of the nation’s fastest-growing demographics. Knowledge and education is the foundation for the future of responsible shooters, and that’s where Olde English has made its imprint in the Dayton community since Ron English first opened the business in the basement of his house 50 years ago, and now for three generations.
Any kind of business expansion is a great risk. But with that, any kind of expansion that makes the community better, and more respected, is one to appreciate. And to Evan English’s point about bringing more outside people to a small, personal, and vibrant community, it takes a special kind of people to make that kind of investment.
With appreciation for what they’re doing, and what they’ve already done, my hearty congratulations to Olde English Outfitters on the occasion of a family dream coming true.
‘Til next time, I’ve enjoyed it…
Olde English Outfitters proudly sponsors coverage of the outdoors on Press Pros Magazine.com.