Troy Scoma, an Arizona State University alumnus, shares his love for ASU through retail.
He owns Cactus Sports, at 514. S. Mill Ave., Tempe, which has been selling ASU merchandise since 1992.
It’s an understatement to call Scoma, who graduated with a business degree from ASU in 1991, a huge fan of the university.
“I am such an insanely passionate fan,” he said, “and it plays a big factor in everything as well.”
A native of Peoria, Illinois, Scoma followed in his older brother’s footsteps when he was choosing a place to continue his education after high school. He said he visited his brother once at ASU – and that was all it took to make his decision.
“Coming here and having warm weather and palm trees was just amazing,” he explained.
Scoma has worked in retail since age 13, when he started working at his father’s baseball card store – the first ever opened in Peoria, Illinois.
“Retail is in the family,” Scoma said. “It’s in our blood.”
Cactus Sports used to sell other sports teams merchandise and wasn’t always devoted just to selling ASU-branded clothing for all ages, mugs and glasses and even gift cards.
“We sold all the sports teams of the Valley – thus the name Cactus Sports,” said Scoma.
But eventually he focused solely on the ASU brand in a way that continues helping his alma mater: “By shopping in our store, the University gets royalties checks for every single purchase,” said Scoma.
Royalties are 18% for apparel and 20% for caps and other headgear, though every item generates some revenue for the university.
Scoma said shopping locally is extremely important, especially for ASU students and that many students don’t even realize what happens when they don’t shop locally.
“People go to the bookstore and think they are supporting their university,” said Scoma. “Well they really aren’t.”
He noted that his competitors are big corporations, which he said neither know much about ASU and don’t share his passion for the university.
“All my competitors that are solely ASU stores are all giant corporations,” he said, adding that what separates Cactus Sports from other stores is the experience customers can expect – and his own devotion to the university.
As he approaches his 21st year with Cactus Sports, Scoma said one of the things he is proudest of is staying in business during COVID.
“COVID was literally a huge snowball effect,” said Scoma, ticking off the long-term effects of the pandemic on businesses like his. Those included supply chain problems, debt and inventory problems.
On the plus side for his business is ASU football, which Scoma said has a huge impact on his bottom line.
“The football teams are the ones that drive the financial machine that helps our store survive the lean months,” he said.
Given the teams’ performance in recent years, Scoma has seen sales dip.
“Had ASU not had their two worst seasons since World War II, we would not have felt these affects,” he said.
Still he is hoping students and alumni remember to shop local and remember Cactus Sports’ unique relationship with ASU.
“I really do still love my job,” said Scoma. “It comes with its challenges and frustrations but I just love it.”
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