Retail shop hits the target by specializing

An interest in the game of darts births a business for a Youngstown man.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Chuck Price took aim at starting his own business after more than a decade in the steel industry, and he hit his target when he opened C-V-P-E Dart Supply 15 years ago.
Located on Youngstown's South Side, the retail shop specializes in steel- and soft-tip darts and darts sets, boards and backboards. It also offers dart cases and dart shafts and flights, replaceable aluminum and plastic components for the game of darts.
Before opening his Market Street location in December 1989, Price spent 13 years as a truck driver for the former Youngstown Cartage Co., a steel-hauling company. Road trips sometimes took him out of town for a week at a time.
When the company closed, Price decided to look for a business he could operate on his own, one that wouldn't require travel. "I didn't want to go on the road anymore," he said.
Now a darts enthusiast with 22 years of experience, Price found his niche during a visit to Newt's, a former South Side lounge, where he watched two lounge workers playing the game. His interest caught their eye.
"The cook and the bar owner came to me and said, 'Do you want to play darts?' They took me under their wing, and I began to play for the Youngstown Dart Association," Price said. "I talked to a darts supplier and [the idea to open a business] popped into my head," Price said.
In the beginning
He stocked up on supplies at first, until his wife, Orleen, talked him into finding a location for a store. He opened up in a vacant building on Market Street and has been there ever since. The store's name stands for Charles Victor Price Enterprises.
Since C-V-P-E Darts Supply opened, darts leagues in the Mahoning Valley have enjoyed increased popularity. Price said he draws his customers from Youngstown, Newton Falls, Warren, Campbell, Salem and the New Castle, Pa., and Sharon, Pa., areas -- all of which have their own leagues.
Price and his wife serve as secretary and recording secretary, respectively, for the Youngstown Dart Association, which formed in 1982 and has close to 800 members.
The league also has about 100 co-ed teams that compete September through May for a spot in the May playoffs tournaments, which typically last for five weeks. Price and his wife play on the same league.
"She had never thrown a dart until she met me," Price added.
His store has been a frequent sponsor of YDA's Annual Youngstown Charity Dart Open tournament, held the last weekend of February at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex in Liberty.
The event has been set up to benefit Angels for Animals in Green Township, and so far, the tournament has raised more than $40,000 for the organization.
Price said he offers tips for beginners and others hoping to improve their skill level. C-V-P-E Dart Supply is designed to accommodate the needs of players at all levels, he added.
"I want people to know that this shop is not just for league or professional players, but also for people who play at home," he explained.
"It's a sport for everybody, men and women. I can teach how to throw darts, help them improve their skill level and pick equipment that best suits them."