When Barry passed, our world shifted. But our son Mike stepped in with strength, commitment, and a quiet determination that spoke volumes about his love for his father and this community. Mike had grown up in the shop since he was ten years old, but stepping into Barry’s shoes was no small task. He spent countless hours learning every detail of the business—how to order, how to repair equipment, how to work with leagues, how to serve customers the way Barry always did.
Mike didn’t just take over a job; he took on a legacy. His dedication kept the doors open during some of the hardest years of our lives. He worked long days and late nights, making sure the store could continue supporting local athletes, coaches, teams, families, and the community we love. And in doing so, he also ensured the store could continue supporting our family. Without Mike’s devotion, Guilford Sporting Goods simply would not be here today.
For us, this store has always been more than a place to buy sporting goods. It’s about community, family, and connection. From the very beginning, we’ve wanted every customer to feel welcome—like they’re part of our family. Whether it’s during business hours, after hours, or even on holidays, people know they can reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to help. The laughs, the stories, and the friendships built here are what make Guilford Sporting Goods truly special.
As we look to the future, our hope is to continue honoring Barry’s legacy while keeping this store a place where community comes together. Guilford Sporting Goods is not just a store—it’s a family tradition, a piece of local history, and a reminder that even through life’s hardest challenges, we can find healing, purpose, and joy together.
Our Story
As told by Gail Latham, Owner
Guilford Sporting Goods has been part of this community since 1977, and our journey with the store is one built on family, resilience, and love for the people we serve.
When I came to Guilford Sporting Goods, I was entering a new chapter after facing a difficult one—having recently gone through my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The store wasn’t part of my life during that journey, but it quickly became a source of healing afterward. Walking through those doors gave me purpose, connection, and something positive to pour my energy into. I felt myself coming back to life within those walls, surrounded by people who welcomed me as if I had always belonged. I’m grateful every day to say I went into remission and remain cancer-free.
I had worked at Hatfield Sports for 10 years, so sporting goods felt familiar. When I met the original owners of Guilford Sporting Goods, we connected instantly. When they planned to close, I couldn’t imagine allowing a store with so much history to disappear. With my husband Barry by my side, we purchased the business in 2013 to preserve its legacy. In 2014, we moved from 1795 Boston Post Road to our current location at 934 Boston Post Road—a more convenient spot for our customers and a fresh beginning for the store.
Barry was the heart and foundation of everything we built. Known and respected across the state for his decades of experience, deep connections with leagues and organizations, and his genuine love for helping people, he gave the store incredible strength. In 2015, Barry received his own cancer diagnosis. Just as the store supported me through healing after my breast cancer journey, it became a comforting focus for both of us during his. We poured ourselves into the business—it gave us something meaningful to hold onto beyond the weight of cancer.