New Park Meadow Tennis Shop Opens in Fort Myers, Florida

Something special is about to happen to Fort Myers tennis. Picture this: A place where tennis lovers, or even casual players, can go to take care of just about all of their tennis needs. A place where you can buy tennis, talk tennis, watch tennis, have your racquet strung, and get the latest news on what's happening on and off the courts. Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Now imagine all of that and throw in Elaine Capps' smile, positive energy, and the lowest prices in town (25% off retail).

Meet Elaine Capps
In case you don't know Elaine, here's a brief introduction. A former engineer and Naples, Florida native, Elaine is a newlywed (married Chris Capps, Director of Tennis at Verandah a year ago), and mother of two: son Forest (16), and daughter Fate (5). Introduced to the game by her mom Barbara as a child, Elaine slid into tennis in earnest eight years ago.

You know those personality types that really get into something when they get into something? That's Elaine. She took lessons, and when that started getting expensive she married her tennis pro! Ok, so maybe she even liked the guy. Anyway, Elaine began playing on USTA teams, even captaining a mixed doubles team that made it to the USTA Florida Sectionals in 2008.

Even that was not enough. Elaine started working in a local discount tennis shop, and somewhere along the way, she thought, "Wouldn't it be sweet if Fort Myers had a discount tennis shop that didn't look or feel like a discount tennis shop?" Two years after Elaine had the idea, the Park Meadow Tennis Shop (PMTS) will open officially on June 1, 2010.

Why Shop at PMTS?
Elaine's rationale for her favorite professional tennis player may offer a subtle hint about what it might be like to shop at Park Meadow Tennis Shop. When asked about her favorite tennis player, Elaine responded, "I like Baghdatis, I think, because he is always smiling on the court. It always looks like he is having a good day at the office." And that is what Elaine is about: having a good day at the office, whether the office is a tennis court, a tennis shop, or anywhere else for that matter. Even if you don't need tennis gear, cruising PMTS some sunny afternoon should still do wonders for your disposition.

The New Park Meadow Tennis Shop
But enough about Elaine. What about the store? Located at 1939 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 3, on the north side of the street near the intersection of Park Meadows Drive and US-41, the 1200 square foot, brightly decorated space offers as central a location as there is in town, with enough room for bona fide shoppers and casual browsers to peacefully coexist. If you are looking for cute, you'll find it. If you are looking for practical, you'll find it. If you are seeking the unusual, chances are you will find that too.

Vast Selection of Merchandise
With an array of vendors that represent the who's who of tennis fashion and merchandise, PMTS is likely to become one of your favorite places to shop. Wilson, Head, Prince, Nike, Babolat, Gamma, Adidas, Bolle, Tail, JoFit, Lija, Eliza Audley, Fila, New Balance, Loup, Down the Line, and Brimz (flip up) sunglasses are among the many manufacturers you'll find at PMTS. And if you haven't seen Wilson's new high tech stringer, you might want to saunter in for just a look at that thing.

PMTS Meets Stringing Needs
Speaking of stringing, Elaine's husband Chris is one of the more knowledgeable tennis professionals in Southwest FL, and he will be your primary stringer on that beautiful Wilson machine. A former USRSA certified Master Stringer pursuing recertification, Chris has taught stepson Forest the trade, so rapid turnaround on racquet stringing is another of the pleasant features you'll enjoy at PMTS.

Make Tennis Shopping an Experience
Yet, despite the many pluses of PMTS, Elaine, herself, is likely to be the reason you will have as good a shopping experience as you are likely to have in any tennis boutique. When asked what would set PMTS apart from others, Elaine responded, "A smile. I want people to feel comfortable when walking in. I want them to have a fun experience shopping for tennis stuff. Tennis is a fun game and all that goes along with it should be fun too."

It's about You, the Customer
Regarding what she wants her customers to feel/think when they walk in, and when they walk out of PMTS, Elaine remarks, "I want them to know that I appreciate them coming to the shop. I want them to feel that they got a good product at a good price. I want them to like coming into the shop, because then they will remember me when they need something in the future."

Huge Discounts and Unique Atmosphere
Some may come only for the 25% off standard retail prices that PMTS will offer, but others will come because it will share the "Cheers" atmosphere of its sister club (Park Meadow Tennis Center) down the block...only prettier. Whatever brings you there, you will be welcome and ultimately satisfied.

A Credible Testimonial
In support of the above assessment, Amy Ciarrocchi, a Gulf Harbor tennis team member and devout tennis aficionado, noted, "My experience at the new Park Meadow Tennis Shop was excellent. First, as I pulled up to the store, the door said it was closed until June 1st. But Elaine came to the door and politely invited me in, even though she was not completely set up. That right there told me that the customer service that you will receive will be excellent. Elaine was very upbeat and helpful. I wasn't sure what I wanted to purchase for a gift, but Elaine made some great suggestions. The store has all kinds of neat gift items, and I was so glad that I went there. I will continue to a customer."

Don't Miss June 1 Opening
There are other such stories being bandied about town, and the store isn't officially open yet! With the opening day specials Elaine has in store, you might want to make it a priority to put June 1 on your calendar and hotfoot it down to the new Park Meadow Tennis Shop. Happy tennis shopping! Call 239-707-1882 for store hours and more details.