Sanford Sport Shop: The Store & Its Legacy

Sanford Sport Shop, located at 524 W. Saginaw Road, has long been a cornerstone of outdoor life in town. For over 30 years prior to 2001, it was run by Ron and Bob Fauver, who laid the foundation of bait, tackle, hunting gear, DNR licenses, and community trust   .

In 2001, Jennifer Palmer took over ownership. From that point forward, she became the face and backbone of the business—serving anglers, hunters, hikers, and neighbors alike. Under her stewardship, the shop operated not just as a sporting‑goods outpost, but a social hub: propane fills, deer minerals, food‑plot supplies, trail permits, party goods, and even a beer cave that locals came to rely on  .

Sanford Sport Shop has full line of Live Bait, Fishing Tackle, Hunting Supplies. D.N.R. Licenses and trail permits.

Sanford Sport Shop now fills propane tanks

The Sanford Sport  has a beer cave and a large selection of Beer.

Sport Shop has deer minerals, corn and food plot. 

Store Hours 

6am to 9pm Seven days a week

989-687-5161

Trial by Flood – The Dam Collapse of 2020

On May 19, 2020, the collapse of the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam sent a deluge through downtown Sanford. The floodwaters crested over rooftops—at the Sport Shop, the water was nearly touching the ceiling. Jennifer Palmer and her longtime associate Judy Howson waded in chest deep, salvaging what they could as merchandise floated and walls caved in. Both the store and the apartment attached to it were destroyed, stripping Jennifer of her business and home overnight  .

Despite the devastation, the Sanford Sport Shop rose again thanks to the support of the community. It partially reopened in late September 2020, and by February 2021 was fully operational again. Flood insurance didn’t cover the losses—customers, employees, and volunteers had to carry the rebuild on sheer grit and goodwill