BENTON HARBOR — Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services and Women’s Business Center announced the opening of Sports 44 located at 2605 S. Cleveland Ave. in St. Joseph Charter Township.

Sports 44 opened its doors on June 4 and the store has a wide array of inventory for the sports enthusiast, team sports member, cyclist and more.

Sports 44 will host a public ribbon cutting and grand opening from 10 to 11 a.m. July 30. Tours will be available until noon after the ceremonies.

This sports equipment consignment store is owned and operated by husband and wife Chris and Jennifer Smusz. Both having retail and education backgrounds, they have more than 15 years of sports retail management experience. 

“Jennifer and I have more than 35 years of combined teaching experience and have been involved in sports and coaching for nearly as long,” said Chris Smusz. “We see the need in southwest Michigan for an alternative to shop for sports equipment.”

Jennifer echoed this sentiment.

“Through the years of watching, participating and coaching our own children in various travel and other sports organizations, we understand the expenses involved with kids outgrowing equipment or changing interests,” Jennifer said. “Sports 44 will give southwest Michigan residents another option to meet the needs of young athletes throughout the region.”

Both have a love of southwest Michigan and want to encourage others to take advantage of all there is to offer through cycling, camping, golf, watersports, team sports and other recreational sports. 

“Chris and Jennifer have been working with Women’s Business Center since the fall of 2017,” said Margaret Adams, manager of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance. “They have been diligent in making sure they have looked at all aspects of owning a business. We have been here every step of the way to mentor them through the process.”

Those interested can find out more by calling (269) 408-1349 or by following their Facebook page for updated inventory items. The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services provides technical, business and financial assistance to small businesses with emphasis on income disadvantaged and women owned businesses. The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance and Microloan Program are funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.