Sims Sports – Trader Spotlight

We have been a family run, proud Puckle Street business for more than 80 years. We value our customers and offer excellent service with great products at competitive prices – Roby Furness & Kerry Furness

I started working at Sims in 1974 with my sister Kerry starting in 1976. I came to work for one month and have been here ever since. That was 45 years ago. My grandfather Robert Sim started the business at 68 Puckle Street in 1935. The store sold a variety of things back then including toys, cigarettes, as well as sports equipment. When I started in 1974 there was even a hairdresser in the store.  

When our grandfather passed away in the 1950’s, his son-in-law Don Furness and wife Rhonda Sims took over the business. By then the tobacconist had become the biggest part of the business. By 1978Don and I realised the association of sport and cigarettes was not the best for the business moving forward. We removed the cigarettes and re-arranged the store to accommodation all footwear upstairs and clothing downstairs. 

Our footwear business quickly developed and became a well-known brand across Melbourne, resulting in extending the store to cater for its popularity. Our father Don Furness was a VFL footballer for Fitzroy and given this family connection, Sims Sports supplied football jumpers, shorts and socks to VFL teams Essendon and Fitzroy. 

I believe being a locally owned business in the area with strong family ties has been a significant factor in our overall success. Our popular product range and good customer service has contributed to that success. 

I enjoy coming to work and am passionate about our business I enjoy working our staff in such a health focused industry. I also enjoy living and working in this area. Moonee Ponds is very much a family focused area and over the years we have employed many generations of families who we continue to remain in contact with.

I believe Moonee Ponds is a very vibrant place to live and shop with exciting developments taking place. I believe it will always retain its family feel and we are proud to be part of the family moving forward. 

Visit Sims Sports today!