In business since 1982, Ludie's Sports Shop is a well-known frequent for Newton County athletes and sports fan.
Located on Elm Street in downtown Covington, the shop offers a wide range of sports equipment and sports apparel. In addition, customers can also find a variety of outdoor work clothes to select from.
Ludie's carries a large selection of baseball and softball gear as well as football, soccer, basketball, wrestling and hunting equipment.
Store owner Richie Childers says his shop gets a lot of business from the Newton County Recreation Department and from the Newton County School System.
School sports teams and recreation teams often go to Ludie's to order their team jerseys, pants and hats. Childers said it typically takes two weeks to complete a team order
According to Childers, what sets his shop apart from some of the larger retailers which also carry sporting goods is that customers can get everything they need for their sport at Ludie's Sports Shop.
"We carry the practice pants, jersey and the pads and all that you need," Childers said.
Sports fans can also go to Ludie's to load up on all of their Bulldog, Ram, Eagle and Tiger gear. Ludie's is bursting with polo shirts, T-shirts, wind breakers, sweatshirts and baseball caps which will allow the wearer to proudly declare school pride. Also available are Rec. Department baseball team hats.
"We do stuff for all three high schools," said Childers, whose father first opened and ran the store 25 years ago. "We also do a lot of work for the middle schools."
A child-sized blue Newton Rams sweatshirt costs $15 at Ludie's while a handsome black and white Alcovy Tigers polo shirt costs $30. A comfy green Eastside Eagles windbreaker costs $45.
Ludie's carries a wide range of products including Mizuno sporting goods, Worth softball products, Russel athletic apparel and casual wear, Nokoma baseball products, Schutt protective sports gear and Carhartt outdoor wear.
Childers said the store also recently began carrying work boots from Rocky Boots and Georgia Boot.
