Steve and Barry's University Sportswear opened last Friday, occupying the long-empty store space on 303 South State Street. "We (were) running out of space in our (old) location (across the street)," said Bob Duerksen, manager of the Ann Arbor store. "(The new store) is going to be four times the size as the old store."
According to Duerksen, the present store is only 1,500 sq. feet, while the new store is 14,000 sq. feet, leaving more space for a larger assortment of merchandise.
"We want to create a great Michigan store, much bigger than anywhere else," said Steve Shore, co-owner of Steve and Barry's. "I've never seen any college store just devoted to one university's clothing."
The new store has two floors. The first floor is similar to the old store, which maintains a collection of "buy-one-get-one-free" T-shirts and sweatshirts. The second floor contains different areas, including a kids' collection and a bathroom section.
Shore said the new store has installed 32 speakers and 11 televisions on both floors, aiming to create an upbeat atmosphere for customers.
Shore stated he and his partner, Barry Prevor, have always wanted to expand the existing store. He said the bigger space allows them to include "an unparalleled selection of designs and merchandise." He said they have waited for nearly three years to get the space where their new store is located, adding that the store's leasing agent was picky about to which business they rented their space.
"Once (the rental agency) knew that we are able to run a good store," Shore said, "they felt comfortable dealing with us and rented the space to us."
Prevor said he and Shore established their first university sportswear store at the University of Pennsylvania. They then opened about eight more stores on seven campuses. The too are also planning to open another new store at the University of Illinois next month.
"We always liked Ann Arbor," Shore said. "(The University has) a combination of great athletic programs and top academic reputation (which) makes us want to involve our business here."
Prevor and Shore said they became friends when they were 15 years old. Prevor said they met each other on a bus trip for a summer camp program which joined kids from different cities together. He said Shore only lived about 20 miles away from him.
"We used to sell T-shirts in flea markets. We used to buy a lot of misprints after events are over," Prevor said. "By doing so, we got to visit a lot of printers, and we learned a lot about printing (T-shirts). It's natural that we are both at this business."
Prevor said they were partners at flea markets for about six years, and they have had their own stores for about 12 years now.
Shore said the previous flea market experience helped him develop his interest in selling clothing today. He joked about how he and Prevor were "cheap guys" who learned from their street selling experience to always keep their costs low.
Prevor, who graduated from the Wharton School of Busniess at the University of Pennsylvania, said not all business concepts he learned in college were applicable in a real business.
"I think college puts you in a mind-set of getting the ability to learn," Prevor said. "Most of what you learn about business happens when you stay in that business. College is not a trade school. You have to learn by experience."
While many people may wonder why "Steve and Barry's" is the store's name, Shore said they used their own first names because they were more original and unique. He also said the names made them feel more accountable to their store, reminding them to take full responsibility for their own stores.
Regarding future promotional strategies, Shore and Prevor said they have planned to continue their "buy-one-get-one-free" policy, as well as advertising on banners that will fly over the University's football games.
"The store will sell itself," Prevor said. "Hopefully, people will be overwhelmed. They will tell their friends and families. Hopefully, people will come that way."
Steve and Barry's new superstore, located at 304 South State Street.