Moe Sports has a New Owner |
Posted: May 28, 2018 |
Century old Moe Sports Shop in Ann Arbor has new owner - The M DenANN ARBOR, MI - Long-standing Ann Arbor institution Moe Sports Shop is entering a new stage of business after being acquired by The M Den. Moe Sports Shop has been open since 1915 at 711 N. University and was sold by Underground Printing to The M Den, a move made official Monday, May 15. It is the fifth change in ownership for the 102-year-old apparel business started by George Moe. Scott Hirth, president and co-owner of The M Den, 303 S. State St., said the acquisition is "step one of a multi-step process of what's going to go on with our State Street presence." "We're thrilled to add Moe's to The M Den stable," Hirth said. "Customers are going to love what's going on in there now." The two businesses are just around the corner from each other. He hinted at future announcements coming out over the next few weeks, and said the business changes ultimately relate to The M Den's need for space. "There is some really great stuff coming down the pike, product-wise, customer-wise," Hirth said. "This is step one in us making sure we can take care of customers and accommodate that product." Moe Sports Shop was previously owned by Underground Printing, a national custom apparel retailer headquartered in Ann Arbor and run by co-owners Rishi Narayan and Ryan Gregg. "It's been our honor to be part of this iconic shop that boasts such a rich history, not only with Ann Arbor and Michigan Athletics, but with the collegiate apparel industry in general," Narayan said in a statement. "It is with a sense of stewardship that we inherited with Moe's that led us to explore this amazing opportunity with the M Den." Announced alongside the acquisition is a partnership between The M Den and Underground Printing, something Gregg said is an exciting opportunity that makes sense for both entities. The M Den is designated the official retail partner of University of Michigan Athletics. As of noon Monday, it was business as usual at Moe Sports Shop with the familiar striped awning welcoming visitors. There is no impact on employees at either company, Hirth said, although customers may notice a few changes. Overall, the shops will maintain an independent feel with a portion of product carryover between the locations, though receipts and bags will now say, "Moe's by The M Den." "It should be a really good thing all around for customers," Hirth said. "We're Michigan's official retail partner and we take that very seriously. Wherever we can, we need to expand and bring more things under our umbrella." The M Den recently consolidated operations at its State Street location after construction plans temporarily closed its Main Street retail spot.
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