A Legacy Built On Kindness.

Kindness and traditions run deep at Jay’s Sporting Goods.

It all started in the early 1970s, inside a one-car garage in Clare, Michigan. Jay’s Sporting Goods was a small shop with big dreams. Over the years, that dream grew into something remarkable with two locations in Clare and Gaylord, covering 180,000 square feet and earning a reputation as one of the region’s most trusted outdoor retailers.

For four generations, Jay’s has remained family-owned, guided by core values that never waver, hard work, honesty, kindness, family, and a deep love for the outdoors. These principles shape everything they do, from the way they treat employees and customers to the positive impact they make in their communities.

“We’re so blessed to have four generations of family, and employees that are just like family. I come to work to see my family.” 

-  Arlene Poet-Yost, Secretary/Treasurer of Jay’s Sporting Goods

Their culture of kindness isn’t just a philosophy; it’s embedded in every employee and customer interaction. It’s what makes Jay’s Sporting Goods more than just a store, it’s a go-to destination for outdoor lovers across Michigan and beyond.
That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside Jay’s Sporting Goods, where family, hard work, and kindness aren’t just part of the story, they’re the foundation. 

Jay’s Sporting Goods, proud Mercantile Bank customer for three decades.