Wenatchee Sporting Goods Store

Stan's Merry Mart started in 1947 when Bob Stanley bought a truckload of military surplus items from Salt Lake City and opened shop in a small apartment building lobby in South Wenatchee. What began as 100 square feet has grown three times over to nearly 60,000 square feet today—still in the same location.

Bob's philosophy was simple: find good deals on anything worth buying. He'd load up on semi-trucks of motor oil, car tires, chains, and overshoes. He lived at the store for decades, hands-on and always hunting for the next inventory opportunity. That entrepreneurial scrappiness is still part of Stan's DNA.

When Bob reached the end of his life, he didn't sell to a chain. He sold to Ethel Wright, his trusted associate since 1958. Ethel started in the shoe department with no retail experience—she'd taught school in a one-room Nebraska schoolhouse. But she learned fast and became Bob's right hand. When Bob passed in 1996, Ethel and her husband Don took over. She ran it solo for years, keeping to Bob's roots while making it her own.

Today, Ethel's son Lynn runs the day-to-day operations alongside his two sons. It's still a true family business, locally owned and operated—exactly how they built it.

The sporting goods department is one of Stan's fastest-growing sections. They stock:

• •Firearms and ammunition
• •Scopes and optics
• •Hunting clothing including camouflage
• •Knives and tactical gear
• •Fishing supplies (rods, reels, tackle)
• •Coolers and storage
• •Backpacks and day packs
• •Camping equipment

Beyond sporting goods, Stan's carries hardware supplies (Ace Hardware partnership since the 80s), clothing (work boots, western wear, hi-visibility gear), footwear for every season, paint, Traeger grills, lawn and garden supplies, and more.

Stan's isn't just a store—they actively support local youth sports leagues, rodeos, and county fairs. The store has deep roots in the Wenatchee Valley and backs it up with dollars and involvement.

In a landscape of big-box retailers and online shopping, Stan's remains locally owned, family-operated, and committed to top-notch customer service. They've been the same people, in the same place, for 77 years. That consistency and local focus is rare.