SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - As the gentrification of North Park continues, one business remains constant. A&B Sporting Goods has anchored the corner of University and Ohio since 1940, when Joe Schloss's parents bought it. He started working there in 1946.
"They say, 'You know, I bought my first glove from you,' and I said 'Yeah, where did you buy your last one?" Joe said.
And he's heard the same question, over and over again.
"'How do you guys do what you do against the big boxes?' Well we have the loyalty of customers. Our pricing is right. We carry outstanding merchandise," Joe said.
And at 84, Joe has no plans to hang up his cleats.
"Most of my friends have all been retired. They've stopped working and they look at me like what are you doing? I think it's good for you. I think it keeps your head going," he said.
Besides, coming down to his North Park shop daily allows Joe to pursue his passion: little league coaching.
"This is my 54th year. I'm hoping for 55," Joe said.
The plaques and proclamations on the walls of A&B Sporting Goods give testimony to Joe's dedication to little league.
"People say to me, 'Are you still doing that?' I said 'Yep,'" Joe said.
Generation next, Greg Schloss, started working alongside his father full time in 1982.
"He's a very good role model. More energy than I have. I don't know where it comes from," Greg said.
Long live Joe Schloss, the principals he stands for and the store he owns.
A&B Sporting Goods
3027 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 295-2825
