Friday, December 5, 2008

Goodbye to Ray's

Ray's Sport Shop is closing. You might think that we're happy about this, since Ray's has been a competitor of ours in the law enforcement market, but we're not. Ray's has always been what we call "a worthy competitor," a business based on good products and good customer service.

The proof is in the longevity of the business: Ray's was founded by Ray Lueddeke more than 60 years ago. Ray's Sport Shop was already more than 25 years old when The Badge Company of New Jersey was launched in 1974.

More remarkable than the longevity of the business, however, is the longevity of the owner. Ray's Sport Shop is closing because Ray Lueddeke is now over 90 years old. "I've gotta slow down" he said.

Ray's location on Route 22 in North Plainfield is known to generations of New Jersey drivers, whether or not they shopped there.

While we will be happy to assist Ray's loyal customers with their needs for badges and other public safety products, we cannot begin to fill the gap in all the other markets Ray served. Think of an independent, family-run neighborhood gun or uniform shop blended with Dick's or Cabela's, and you begin to get a greater understanding of the depth and breadth of Ray's Sport Shop.

We can only wish that Ray enjoys a long and happy retirement. He's earned it!