December 23, 2011
by Rob Greenstein
I paid a visit to Hoops Plus at 86 Millwood Road in Millwood to talk to its owner, Jim Hammond. I wanted to learn how business was going and what intereresting products and services were on offer usually—and for the holidays.
It seems your move from Mount Kisco to Millwood happened around the time economy tanked. Has your new location and the increased visibility helped business?
We moved in April of 2008, as the economy was changing. We sincerely like the new location better and definitely have greater visibility but I’ve noticed that people tend to navigate to the bigger towns/cities such as Mount Kisco to do their shopping. The slower economy has impacted our sales overall negatively.
It’s obvious from your name that you sell basketball “Hoops”, I guess game tables are the “Plus”, what else is the “Plus”?
Our basketball hoops are still our bread and butter because there isn’t anyone that knows them better anywhere around nor could offer such a diverse offering of related products. We also offer a complete line of all game tables plus we stock, service, deliver and professionally install other products such as trampolines, ATV’s/go-karts, custom backyard basketball courts, ice skating rinks, tetherball systems, badminton/volleyball, etc.
Any good holiday gifts?
We have tried to bring in some more gifts for under $50 but a majority of what we offer are bigger items. One of our more popular items has been a sound activated illuminated t-shirt that has been seen on the Montel Williams and Ellen DeGeneres shows, as well as worn by Fergie, the Jersey Shore cast and others. A majority of our items are on sale for the holidays and we do offer gift certificates that can be purchased in person or over the phone for more convenience
We hired your company to paint basketball lines on our driveway, do you provide any other unique services?
We pride ourselves on doing many custom installations that our competitors don’t such as custom backyard basketball courts, hoop lighting, court stenciling, wall mounted basketball systems, ice rink and zip line installations, etc. As well as servicing everything we sell unlike the big box stores can offer.
I know you list lots of merchandise on your web site, especially bigger items that take up a lot of space like game tables, does your web site generate a lot of business?
Our web site does generate business in the local sense in that we do not offer pricing online as an e-commerce site would. Due to shipping issues we have decided to avoid this service. It is a good informative site for the local client that might not be able to get into the store due to busy schedules but have heard we offer what they are in need of and want to check us out. Our web site is www.hoopsplus.com and we will be introducing a newly revised site over the next 2 months.
Since you’re so close to the bike path, have you ever considered selling biking products, nutritional supplements, energy drinks, sport nutrition, vitamins, etc?
We have over the several years at this location considered this, especially servicing of bikes because we are currently a certified repair shop for Razor and Currie related scooter products. The decision to stay true to our original roots of hoops, game tables and ATV/go-carts was made so that we may offer our clients the best services we can instead of spreading ourselves thinner by offering additional services.
Have you ever been approached by town officials to sponsor or maintain any basketball courts and/or sponsor a basketball tournament?
Up till now we havn’t been approached but would possibly entertain a request in the future.
What do you think the town could do to make conditions better for business in Millwood?
We feel they could better publicize the fact that there are shops on this end of town (other than the Greeley end) as well, that offer services and products just as important. There have been outdoor related events that draw publicity in the Greeley end of town that haven’t been entertained here. This could help shed light on the fact that we exist.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
At this time we have discounts in place for the holidays that everyone can take advantage of.
Hoops Plus
86 Millwood Road, Millwood, NY
Phone: 914-666-7784, 914-432-7784 Fax: 914-432-7783
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
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