Years ago, when I first moved to Fairfield County, downtown Darien became one of my most favorite places to explore. I’d drive down Post Road but inevitably would pass on the iconic Darien Sport Shop. I never stopped because, truthfully, I didn’t need any sports equipment. After a recommendation from a friend, I made my way inside and was truly blown away by the incredible fashion, accessories, and of course, sports equipment inside.
It's no surprise that the name, Darien Sport Shop, is an ode to exactly how the establishment originated back in 1946. Stephen Zangrillo, known as ‘Mr. Z’ opened the store at just 22 years old after returning from WWII. A studied merchant, Mr. Z grew the business based around a guiding philosophy: treat your customers like they are old friends, and they’ll keep coming back. And they have.
When his daughter, Gina joined the business full-time in 1994, the once sport-centric shop began to expand its inventory to men’s and women’s clothing. In fact, they even took a chance on two guys carrying a backpack full of ties in the late 90’s and therefore became one of the first retailers to carry the now, well-known brand Vineyard Vines.
Today, Darien Sport Shop carries a myriad of upscale brands and designers. Brands like Ulla Johnson, Peter Millar, Ralph Lauren, Kinross, and more are beautifully displayed within the expansive store. A few years ago, a customer recommended to Gina they carry the brand Faherty. When their buyer liked it, they brought it into the store, and today it’s one of their best-selling lines. Gina’s son, and Mr. Z’s grandson, Greg Reilly, who is now the men’s buyer and heads up marketing, happily admits “We have some really well-connected customers. They know what they’re talking about, so we listen to what they are seeing in their travels and daily life.”
Aside from their excellent fashion sense, the store also stocks an array of chic home goods perfect for a birthday, hostess, or housewarming gifts. Truthfully, there aren’t many things that Darien Sport Shop doesn’t carry. You name it, they likely have it. As Greg says, “Where else can you get a cashmere sweater and a trampoline?”
DSS is a wonderful mélange of traditions, old and new. Trunk shows pop up throughout the calendar and they’ve started hosting fabulous fashion shows where the community can get together to view the season’s latest and greatest. But true to their roots, they still offer complimentary alterations for the life of their garments and continue to be a generous donor to local charities in our community.
Perhaps their most beloved tradition is the yearly Christmas tree lighting which dates back to 1978. That year, in celebration of the season, Mr. Z decided to light his recently planted Christmas tree in the back lot on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That original tree grew to be over 100 feet tall but was unfortunately lost in a bad storm back in 2010. A new tree has been growing strong for the last 12 years and carrying on the Darien Sport Shop Christmas tradition.
The celebration that day usually kicks off around 4:30 pm with live music, holiday treats, refreshments and caroling as Santa Claus (the real one) rides into town aboard a shiny, red firetruck courtesy of the Noroton Fire Department. After he makes his way through the crowd, he leads a countdown until the tree is inaugurally lit for the season.
But as far as holiday festivities go, the shop doesn’t stop there. The entire holiday season is filled with extra cheer at Darien Sport Shop. The team offers complimentary gift wrapping and will even hold your presents to thwart plans of mischievous present seekers. On Saturdays in December, there’s live music and plenty of refreshments to calm any holiday stressors. While Santa normally pops in throughout the season, he was relegated to Facetime the last few years due to the pandemic. But if you ask me, anywhere that keeps Santa on speed dial is a place you want to be.
Blurbs:
1. Mark your calendar for the Annual Darien Sport Shop Christmas Tree Lighting on
Sunday, November 27th at 4:30 pm.
2. Mischievous, pre-holiday present seekers on your hands? Darien Sport Shop will hold
your holiday gifts so they can magically appear under the tree.
3. Don’t miss brands: Peter Millar, Vince, Ulla Johnson, Faherty, Stio, Rhone and more!
