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Dixie Sporting Goods (Bocock Sports) in Something Directory

 

Dixie Sporting Goods and Bocock Sports recently merged creating a mega-sports outfitter known as Dixie/Bocock Sporting Goods with distribution hubs in Virginia and North Carolina. The merger means coaches and sport enthusiasts everywhere have greater access to everything their teams needs. The relationship between Dixie and Bocock has been germinating since the early days of both companies. It eventually led to a November 1999 merger. It was in the 1950s that the owners of these two family-operated businesses met each other while attending regional trade shows. They eventually became close friends. Years later when their sons took over the respective businesses, talk of partnership ensued. This wasnt an overnight thing, said Ken Caravati, co-owner of Dixie Sporting Goods. We have been talking about combining efforts for more than seven years. We are so similar in scope. We both focus on team sports, and we have the same type of customers that this just seemed to be a natural match, he said. Caravati also stressed that Dixie and Bocock have similar values. They are both quality conscious and realize the importance of having a highly trained sales staff. I have known Michael and Ken for years, and Im really looking forward to working with them. This was an excellent opportunity for Bocock and, more importantly, it means our customers have access to additional sales staff and an expanded product line, said Pete Wilson of Bocock Sports. Both companies also have a rich history, and with the creation of Dixie/Bocock, the company will have a combined127 years of experience selling sporting goods. Bocock Sports was founded in 1921 by two college coaches, Branch Bocock and Doc Stroud, to supply sporting goods equipment to industrial teams in Piedmont, N.C. After a few years in the retail business, both Bocock and Stroud returned to coaching. They sold the business to their one employee, Henry S. Wilson. Through his leadership, and that of his son and grandsons, Bocock Sports continued to service all levels of athletes. Dixie Sporting Goods also had two founding members. In 1952, two brothers, Hank and Charlie Caravati, bought a small sporting goods store in Richmond, VA. Enthusiastic sports fans, Hank and Charlie dove into the sporting goods business with great zeal. The business grew over the years as Dixie acquired more lines and additional means of distribution. Charlies two sons, Ken and Michael, entered the business in 1983 and have built an organization to include over 30 experienced sales and customer service representatives offering more than 300 brands. Although the Dixie/Bocock incarnation means the new company will have three retail outlets and eight team sales offices in Virginia and North Carolina, and an expanded inventory, Caravati stresses that Dixie/Bocock is not looking to become the biggest sporting goods operation in the world. Its not how big you are, its how good you are.

 

Address: Richmond, VA 2400 Westwood Ave. 23230
Telephone: (804) 353-4943
Website: http://www.dixiesport.com/