When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Play It Again Sports
Why Play It Again Sports is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Play It Again Sports is a standout destination for sports enthusiasts and families looking to buy, sell, or trade quality sports and fitness equipment. Founded in 1983 and now operating nearly 300 stores across North America, it has grown to become the largest retailer specializing in both new and used sporting goods. The unique business model embraces sustainability and affordability by allowing customers to sell their used gear back for cash on the spot, which is then resold to the community at competitive prices. This circular approach not only supports eco-friendly practices but also ensures that players at all levels can access quality equipment without breaking the bank. The stores carry a wide range of gear spanning sports such as soccer, baseball, softball, golf, and fitness equipment, making it a convenient one-stop shop. Franchise owners are typically sport enthusiasts who actively participate in or support local athletics, adding to the community-driven atmosphere. The combination of new gear alongside carefully vetted used items, strong vendor relationships, and a commitment to community involvement makes Play It Again Sports a great place to meet up with friends, support local sports, and find great deals on equipment needed to play and stay active.
Here's what people think of Play It Again Sports
As of recent, Play It Again Sports holds a 3.9-star rating based on 89 reviews.
Customer reviews for Play It Again Sports average a rating of 3.9 out of 5 from approximately 89 reviews, reflecting a generally positive but somewhat mixed customer experience. Positive feedback highlights the store's affordability and the value found in purchasing quality used sports gear, which helps families save money while keeping athletes equipped. Many customers also appreciate the convenience of trading in old equipment for instant cash, fostering a sustainable and community-focused shopping environment. Reviewers often commend the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the store's wide selection that suits athletes of all ages and skill levels. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in inventory availability, with certain popular items sometimes out of stock. A few customers have expressed concerns about pricing on some new merchandise being higher than bigger chain retailers and experiences varying between locations in customer service quality. Despite these drawbacks, the overall shopper sentiment is favorable, recognizing Play It Again Sports as a valuable resource for accessing affordable sports equipment and contributing to a circular economy within the sporting goods industry. In conclusion, while there are areas for improvement, customer reviews support Play It Again Sports as a reputable and community-oriented sporting goods retailer where both new and used items can be found conveniently.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jose Perez
I’ve been a regular at Play It Again Sports, selling gear, getting golf clubs re-gripped, purchasing a new golf bag, and making exchanges. The staff here is fantastic – they’re always super friendly, knowledgeable, and in a great mood. What really sets this place apart is their customer service; they consistently offer the best prices and make every visit a positive experience. Whoever manages this location should recognize how valuable this team is – they truly deserve to be paid more for their exceptional work! I’ll always recommend this place, and this is my honest
Dwayne Dixon
Do not get your skates sharpened here. Staff member was friendly but either hasn't been trained properly or machine is messed up. Skated yesterday after sharpening and was sliding around with little to no edge. Took them somewhere else to sharpen and they were surprised I could even skate on them. Nowhere near level and took 6 passes on the cross grinder to get the old high edge off...
Anthony Valle
Ordered item online. They sent the wrong item. Didn't answer emails for multiple days even after calling. Never sent the right item. Made me repackage and ship old item back, and didn't offer refund until they received the item. Lots of wasted time from their mistake
Bryan Jones
Ridiculous prices. Tried to charge me $64 for two 15 lbs dumbbells. You can get them on Amazon delivered to your door for $33!!!!
Sam Boylston
Man where do I begin. I knew I had the right spot when Tyler answered the phone. Incredible customer service from start to finish. Greyson even assisted me with carrying my purchased items to the car. It was a lot! Can’t thank the staff enough for their attention to detail and top notch attitude. These items will be critical for our football teams success this year. Keep up the good work. Your making a difference!
How to reach Play It Again Sports
None
Website: None
Why rally at Play It Again Sports with your friends? Because this is more than just a place to buy and sell sports gear—it's a hub for sports enthusiasts and active groups who want to enjoy an affordable, sustainable, and community-focused experience together. Whether you and your friends are casual players, beginners exploring new sports, or experienced athletes looking to upgrade equipment, Play It Again Sports offers a unique and welcoming environment. Its diverse inventory of new and gently used sports and fitness equipment means that everyone can find something that suits their level and interests without breaking the bank. Moreover, the staff is highly knowledgeable and ready to provide tailored advice on the perfect gear, creating a personalized and engaging shopping adventure. For groups who value sustainability, this store encourages trading and reusing gear, lessening environmental impact while making sports more accessible. Plus, the chance to participate in the rewards program and exclusive store events makes it an exciting spot to gather, explore, and bond over shared athletic passions. Rallying here means stepping into an active, community-minded atmosphere that brings people together through sport and fitness.
What activities can you enjoy at Play It Again Sports? The core activity centers on exploring a vast inventory of sports and fitness equipment, including gear for baseball, softball, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, golf, and more. You and your friends can browse through dozens of items tailored to all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The store also offers specialized services such as team uniform customization, which is perfect for groups or clubs looking to build team spirit with matching outfits. For fitness buffs, there are options to outfit an entire home gym with quality equipment available for purchase or trade. Shopping here turns into a collaborative game in itself, as friends can share opinions, try equipment, and help each other find the best fit. Beyond shopping, many stores host events or promotions that make your group meetup lively and interactive. Whether preparing for a new sports season or simply looking for new fitness gear to try together, the activities at Play It Again Sports encourage collaboration, learning, and fun.
Why is Play It Again Sports perfect for a group meetup? First, its inclusive and community-oriented atmosphere is designed to bring people together. With each location locally owned and operated, the experience feels personable and inviting. The staff’s expertise makes it easy for groups with mixed sports interests and skill levels to find advice and gear that suits each individual’s needs. The flexibility to buy, sell, or trade gear without appointments speeds up the process, making group visits convenient and efficient. The store's diverse product offerings mean there’s something for everyone in your group, no matter your preferred sport or fitness activity. Additionally, many locations feature rewards programs that provide points and discounts, which add a layer of fun competition and savings when shopping as a group. The opportunity to engage in sustainable shopping through the trade-in program also aligns with values many groups share today. These combined factors make Play It Again Sports an ideal spot to organize a meetup focused on active living, camaraderie, and responsible shopping.
How does Play It Again Sports support sports enthusiasts of all levels? The store prides itself on catering to athletes ranging from beginners to seasoned players. For newcomers, the knowledgeable staff offers expert guidance to ensure that equipment fits well and suits the individual’s sport and skill level, reducing the intimidation factor often associated with sports gear shopping. For seasoned athletes, the store carries high-quality used and new equipment, allowing them to upgrade affordably, even accessing premium items at better prices than typical retail. The trade-in program also benefits all customers, as it allows players to recycle their old equipment in exchange for credits toward newer or different gear, supporting continuous improvement and adaptation to new sports or fitness goals. Because the inventory is constantly updated with items for diverse sports—everything from hockey sticks to running shoes—there’s always something that meets evolving needs. This level of personalized service and wide selection helps promote sustained participation in sports and fitness for all group members.
What kind of gear and products can you find at Play It Again Sports? The inventory is impressively diverse, covering equipment for a broad spectrum of sports such as baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, golf, and tennis. You’ll find everything from bats, gloves, and balls for youth leagues to fitness gear like weights, treadmills, and yoga mats for home workouts. The store regularly features gently used items in excellent condition, which can make your shopping budget stretch further, and it carries some new equipment as well. Beyond equipment, Play It Again Sports provides team uniform customization—shirts, pants, caps, and full kits tailored for any sport that your group might want to represent. This service allows groups to create a unified look, enhancing team spirit for meetups or competitions. Additionally, since each location is locally owned, you can expect some specialized products and services tailored to the local sports scene, making it easier for groups to find relevant gear and advice.
How does the trade-in and sustainability program enhance your group experience? Play It Again Sports has a well-established buy-sell-trade model that encourages customers to bring in their quality used sports and fitness gear to receive cash or store credit. This fosters a recycling mentality that prevents valuable equipment from ending up in landfills while making gear more affordable and accessible. For groups, this creates an interactive way to upgrade equipment together and save money, making it easier to try new sports or replace worn items. The trade system also promotes conversation and teamwork as everyone works to find the best deals and fits among their options. Sustainability is a core value for the brand, reflected in their decades of community involvement and efforts to keep sports equipment in circulation longer. By rallying at Play It Again Sports, your group participates in a wider mission of environmental responsibility, lending extra meaning to your active get-togethers.
What special services and conveniences does Play It Again Sports offer for group meetups? Several features contribute to the convenience of hosting meetups here. There’s no need for appointments to sell or trade gear, so your group can visit spontaneously and together. The business hours are typically broad and flexible, including evenings and weekends, accommodating different schedules. You can shop in-store or online, enabling group members who cannot join physically to participate in browsing and purchasing. The rewards program provides incentives for repeat visits and group purchases, including points, discounts, and access to exclusive store events that encourage socialization among sports enthusiasts. Customer support is friendly and personalized, helping ensure that everyone’s questions and needs are addressed promptly. Whether you are assembling a team, gearing up for outdoor activities, or just exploring new sports equipment, these conveniences make it easier to gather, interact, and make plans.
How do customer ratings reflect the experience at Play It Again Sports? With an average rating of 3.9 from about 89 reviews, the feedback for Play It Again Sports shows a generally positive customer experience. While not perfect, the rating indicates that many customers appreciate the value, variety, and knowledge offered by the staff. Reviews often highlight the affordability of the used gear and the friendly, helpful service, which supports group shopping and meetups effectively. Some critiques may relate to specific product availability or store stock variations, but overall, the majority seem satisfied with their visits. For anyone planning a group gathering, these ratings can serve as reassurance that the store maintains a good balance of quality and service. As every location is locally managed, experiences might vary slightly, but the overall brand reputation emphasizes an accessible, community-focused outlet for sports lovers.
What makes Play It Again Sports a good choice for families and friends? For families and groups of friends, the store’s welcoming atmosphere and product diversity allow everyone to participate regardless of age or skill. Parents can comfortably find gear for children who are just beginning youth sports programs, while older friends or siblings can browse for adult-level equipment or fitness products. The trade-in program offers an economical way for families to keep equipment current without large expenditures. Group meetups here can become enjoyable outings where everyone learns from each other and encourages active lifestyles, creating positive memories tied to sports. Furthermore, customization services for uniforms enhance any family or friend team-based event, fostering camaraderie and pride. This rich blend of affordability, inclusiveness, and personalized support makes Play It Again Sports a top choice for group-oriented activity planning.
Why is Play It Again Sports more than just a retail store? It stands as a community cornerstone that promotes active living through sports. Beyond selling gear, it educates and equips athletes to reach their potential while making sports accessible. Its sustainable approach reflects a commitment to social responsibility by reducing waste and supporting affordable access for all demographics. The opportunity to engage in local sports scenes via team apparel and event participation creates a vibrant network of sports lovers who rally not just for fun, but also for healthy living and community spirit. Meeting here means joining a movement that values the joy of play, environmental care, and strong community ties—all essential ingredients for a meaningful and enjoyable group experience.
This comprehensive experience, combining affordability, expert service, wide selection, sustainability, and community focus, makes Play It Again Sports a compelling destination for meetups centered on sport, fitness, and active fun. Whether gearing up for a game, trading in gear, or just spent time browsing with friends or family, the store fosters connections and shared enthusiasm that elevate any group gathering.