History

For over 75 years, Darien Sport Shop has been a landmark shopping destination in Fairfield County. Located less than an hour from Manhattan, “the sport shop” (as it is affectionately known throughout the area) offers Darien and our beloved neighboring towns a one-stop shopping destination for the whole family. But before we evolved into an industry renowned specialty store carrying luxury apparel brands from all over the world, we were truly a one-room sporting goods store just down the road from our current location.

Darien Sport Shop was founded by Stephen F. Zangrillo, and opened on August 1st, Mr. Z was just 22 at the time, and had just returned from serving in the South Pacific in World War II. Unsure of what to do in the postwar era, his father suggested he open a store. So he did. A natural with customers and a studied merchant, Mr. Z started his store with a simple philosophy: treat your customers like they are old friends, and they’ll keep coming back. And they have. Mr. Z knew people were not only coming to buy goods and services, they were coming for the relationships and the magic.

That simple philosophy, along with loyal partnerships with some of the top brands in fashion, is what has carried our store from the one-room shop down the road to the 40,000 square foot, three-story town landmark it is today.

Under the leadership of Gina Zangrillo, Mr. Z’s daughter, this industry-renowned institution continues to provide the same service and warm reception — the signature of this still family-owned and operated business. Today, Gina and her team continue to carry on the Zangrillo mission to give the kind of personal attention, unhurried service, and convenience that Mr. Z envisioned.

From Peter Millar, Kinross Cashmere, Vince, Ulla Johnson, Faherty and more, our brands are what make us the legitimate and trendy shopping destination we have become. But it’s our customers, who travel from all over to shop with us, that we are truly grateful for.

Darien Sport Shop offers complimentary, gift wrapping, alterations, and local delivery in our eco-friendly smart car. We strive to be ahead of the curve by offering a robust digital shopping experience, virtual and private shopping appointments, and curbside pick up.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION & COMMUNITY PRIDE Over the past eight decades, the Darien Sport Shop has made giving back to the community a priority. We donate to several local charities and continue to focus our giving in support of many local non-profit organizations as well the local schools. Darien Sport Shop also offers two Charity Shopping events each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. For more information about how your charity or a charity you’d like to support can participate, please contact our Executive Vice President Maria Terrell at mterrell@dariensport.com