60 years ago, founder Steve Zangrillo set the Darien Sport Shop in motion with a single room store, determination and hard work. His “little store that could” consistently grew and improved, always acclimating to the needs of its shoppers, setting the foundation for the Darien Sport Shop’s excellent reputation for valuing each customer. The Darien Sport Shop had tripled in size before moving to its new location in 1951, where it gracefully stands today after undergoing over 14 building expansions and renovations. From a one-room shop to an elegant three story retail haven, the Darien Sport Shop has evolved successfully over its 60 years.

Why so successful? If you asked founder Steve Zangrillo also known affectionately as Mr. Z, you would get a modest answer of “a little bit of knowledge, a little bit of patience and a little bit of luck.” These days Mr. Z credits his competent management team with the Sport Shop’s leap into the modern day whirl of marketing, but you can never shake the old-time feel of the unique shopping experience that this store offers. Mr. Z understands that the store’s success is dependent on serving each and every customer beyond their expectations and has focused much of the last 60 years on just that. This can be seen in the Sport Shop’s exclusive customer Special Services to the convenience of over 56 departments under one roof.

Along with appreciating his customers, founder Steve Zangrillo gives back to the community as well. Whether it is beautifying the neighborhood with the park-like entrance to the store, complete with benches and fountain, or with random acts of kindness, like donating a state-of-the-art ambulance to EMS workers of the town, Mr. Z and the Darien Sport Shop share memories and have a history with the people in and out of the store.

All members of the Darien Sport Shop extend their gratitude to all five generations of customers for their support over the years and to all the newcomers who will pass through its doors for generations to come. Without all of you, the history behind the store would be incomplete. Everyone at the Darien Sport Shop shares this special 60th anniversary with you and additionally, would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Z for all of the years of leadership and kindness.