Pure Hockey, a premier destination for hockey equipment, apparel, and accessories, has expanded through the acquisition of JT's Slap Shot, located in Urbandale, IA. This acquisition marks a significant step in Pure Hockey's continued growth trajectory within the hockey retail industry.
JT's Slap Shot is located in Urbandale, IA, a vibrant hockey community, located in the Northwest part of the Des Moines Metro Area. JT's Slap Shot brings a dedicated customer base and a reputation for excellent customer service.
The store's integration into Pure Hockey's extensive retail network will provide customers with an even broader selection of hockey equipment, training tools, apparel, and accessories, backed by Pure Hockey's renowned expertise and dedication to the sport.
According to David Nectow, CEO of Pure Hockey, "This expansion is not only a testament to the growing popularity of hockey but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality products and exceptional service to the hockey community."
Justin Bottoms, owner of JT's Slap Shot, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that Pure Hockey provides an exceptional retail experience that their customers have come to expect. He added, "This is outstanding news for our customers, and we can't wait to begin this new journey with the Pure Hockey family."
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Pure Hockey's commitment to excellence extends beyond its retail operations. The company actively supports local youth hockey programs, leagues, and teams, fostering growth and development at the grassroots level.
A Grand Opening event celebrating the newest Pure Hockey location will be held later this year.
The History of JT's Slap Shot
JT's Slap Shot has been the Midwest's premier hockey destination since 2005. The love of the game of hockey led to opening its doors in August 2005.
Justin Bottoms' hockey dreams started as a teenager in a shack. At age 18, with help from his parents, Bottoms opened JT's Slapshot, his own hockey retailer. When Bottoms opened his store in 2005, he would start the day at high school while his mom opened up shop and worked there throughout the day. He would then close the store at night.
Gradually, JT's Slapshot gained a cult following because the store sold specialty hockey merchandise rarely found at other sporting goods stores in Iowa. Youth teams from around the Midwest would stop there when they played in Des Moines-area tournaments.
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The store supplied gear to more than 100 youth and club hockey teams. Pucks from JT's Slapshot became ubiquitous and could be found in rinks across Iowa.
Its former location across from Buccaneer Arena in Urbandale was packed with so much gear that Bottoms moved JT's Slapshot to a new home in 2023.
In the last two years, Pure Hockey has been expanding west, opening stores in Omaha, Nebraska, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then Pure Hockey's owner cold-called him.
Pure Hockey promised to let him run the store and keep his employees on staff. Today Bottoms still works as a manager at the Urbandale Pure Hockey store.
Thriving in Your First Year
Services and Specialties
JT's Slap Shot has been known as the Midwest's Premier Hockey Shop. The store offers team deals, skate sharpening, equipment sales, skate repair, and custom skate fitting. Price match guarantee is available on all items.
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Customer Reviews
The store has received positive reviews, with customers praising the knowledgeable staff and customer service. Here's a summary of what customers are saying:
- Best staff ever!
- Customer service top notch.
- Knowledgeable team!
- Pretty decent selection for the size of the store.
- This is the best store for everything hockey!
The Transition and Future
Bottoms sold his business to Pure Hockey in January 2024. Almost two years after selling JT's Slapshot and after watching the store get renamed, Bottoms is still beloved by his employees. Few things have changed, except for interior and exterior signage.
Today four full-time employees and six-part time employees work at Pure Hockey's Urbandale store at 8020 Douglas Ave.
Philip Joens covers retail and real estate for the Des Moines Register.
Contact Information
Address: 8020 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
Key People
- David Nectow: CEO of Pure Hockey
- Justin Bottoms: Former owner of JT's Slap Shot, now manager at Pure Hockey
About Pure Hockey
Pure Hockey is headquartered outside of Boston, MA. The company was founded in 1994 and was acquired by David Nectow and Sal Tiano in 2008.