Heartbreak and Hope: A Community Rallies After Rookies Robbery

On a quiet Friday morning, January 17, business owner Jack Reedy woke up to a jarring realization. His wife alerted him that the alarm at their beloved sports card and collectibles store, Rookies, had gone off. Situated at 106 W. Main in Lowell, the store has been a cornerstone of the community for 32 years, offering a haven for collectors, families, and fans.

Reedy hoped it was a false alarm, as it sometimes had been before. But deep down, he had a sinking feeling—especially with a major Pokémon release happening that day. His intuition proved right. By the time he arrived at the store, the Lowell Police, responding within minutes of the alarm, had already discovered the Pokémon shelf cleaned out.

“It puts you in a dark place,” Reedy shares, reflecting on the robbery—the first in the store’s three decades of business. But amidst the initial shock and frustration, what stood out was the overwhelming kindness and support from the community.

A Heartwarming Response

Once Reedy posted about the incident on Facebook, the responses flooded in. Condolences, offers of help, and words of encouragement poured forth. But one moment particularly touched his heart.

“A dad came in with his son, who had heard about the robbery,” Reedy recounts, his voice soft with emotion. “The boy wanted to give me some of his Pokémon cards. I told him it wasn’t necessary, but after they left, I found a stack of cards the boy had left on the counter. It was one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever experienced.”

Stories like this reaffirm Reedy’s belief in the goodness of people, despite the unfortunate incident.

Rookies: A Family Tradition

Rookies is more than a business; it’s a legacy. Reedy started the store with his father, who was transitioning out of a high-stress career in real estate. Together, they turned their passion for sports cards into a thriving business.

For the first 12 years, the father-and-son duo ran the store side by side, creating memories that Reedy cherishes to this day. When his father’s health began to decline, Reedy continued the journey alone with the support of family and friends.

Over the years, Rookies has become a gathering place for enthusiasts young and old. From free comic book days to families bonding over collectibles, the store’s atmosphere is one of joy and nostalgia.

Moving Forward

Jack Reedy inside Rookies

Though shaken, Reedy is determined to carry on. He’s enhancing security measures by adding cameras to the current security system. But his focus remains on keeping Rookies a fun and welcoming space for everyone.

“I’ll keep running the business until it’s no longer fun,” Reedy says with a grin.

For Reedy, the most rewarding part of the business has shifted over the years. “Early on, it was seeing a customer pull a great card. Now, it’s about nostalgia—seeing customers who came here as kids now bringing their own children.”

Community and Closure

As the Lowell Police Department continues to investigate, they urge anyone with information to come forward, either anonymously through Silent Observer at 616.774.2345 or directly by calling the Lowell Police Department at 616.897.8457.

Police Chief Chris Hurst notes, “We’re working hard to identify the suspect(s) and are collaborating with other agencies. But without witnesses or video, it’s a tough case to crack.”

Despite the setback, Reedy remains positive, bolstered by the support of the community he loves so much. As our conversation closed and I was leaving the store, a father and son walked in, the boy clutching a tackle box filled with cards. The dad excitedly asked, “Did they come through the front door?” Reedy’s hearty laugh and welcoming smile told me all I needed to know—Rookies, and its resilient owner, would be just fine.

To experience the charm of Rookies yourself, visit the store or stop by their website. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious first-timer, you’ll find a store filled with treasures—and a community ready to welcome you.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*