New Maple Grove Business a Product of Pickleball Craze
A new business in Maple Grove is tapping into the popularity of pickleball. It’s called Swing City.
At the shop, Zoey Weil shares a quick lesson on how to shoot a “dink.” That’s a soft, controlled shot in pickleball. That chance to test out equipment is one thing that sets their business apart.
“It’s nice to let the customers try out the different demo paddles they offer here at Swing City. If they want to come in and get a feel for the paddle, they can do it right here with the ‘Dink Master,'” Weil explained.
Swing City is a racket sport shop in Maple Grove. It sells nearly everything you would need for pickleball or tennis– with racquet strings attached.
At Swing City, the first racquet stringing is complementary.
The only thing missing is a place to play. Weil has that at Pure Pickleball Club, an indoor spot in Plymouth with 19 courts.
“Really fun to see a bunch of new people coming out, trying something new,” Weil said.
Swing City came just in time for the pickleball craze. Courts, both indoor and outdoor, are popping up everywhere. Owner Alisa Chase took up tennis when her family moved to Minnesota nine years ago. She opened the shop because she loves it– and also in response to the craze.
“I love it because it’s a challenge mentally, physically, emotionally. You get a good workout playing,” Chase said.
Since the small shop specifically caters to racquet sports, it’s the only one like it in Maple Grove.
“There is a need up here to provide some retail space and equipment for people who want to play,” Chase explained.
Though pickleball is the sport of the moment, Chase said tennis products are selling just as well.
“Everybody can play pickleball and tennis– so you can just pick it up and learn it,” Chase said. “It’s a great social sport, too.”
She thinks the craze is not going away anytime soon.
Swing City can be found near the Cub in Maple Grove. It opened its doors late last year.
A decal on the wall of the Maple Grove shop.
