Archive for the ‘SG Industry News’ Category
Local Sports Stores Win Big With Blackhawks’ Winning
June 16th, 2013 by sourcedThe Chicago Blackhawks are also bringing in extra business to Rockford. Owners of some sporting stores say the team’s winning record has made up for half of their sales this season.
A Blackhawks win means big money for some Rockford businesses. 23 News caught up with the owner of GQ sports, who says Blackhawks gear has been flying off the shelves since the team landed in the playoffs.
“It’s hard to keep it in stock, especially the pictures, you know the clothing’s a little tricky to keep in stock right now with the t-shirts and sweatshirts and that but we do still have stock left,” says Gary Larson.
Read the rest of the article at Wifr.com.
Hibbett Sporting Goods Launches Mobile Site
May 31st, 2013 by sourcedMOBILE, Ala. – Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc. recently announced the launch of their new mobile website and “Get Your Thumb in the Game” campaign. On the new site, customers will have the ability to browse products, redeem coupons and manage their MVP Rewards account.
Read the rest of the article at: PostSouth.com
Vail Resorts Subsidiary Buys Hoigaard’s Sporting Goods
May 25th, 2013 by Cale LokenVail Resorts bought Hoigaard’s Sporting Goods, an icon in the Twin Cities area, in ongoing efforts to expand into the Midwest sporting goods market. Hoigaard’s specializes in Nordic gear, sports equipment and apparel for skiers, snowboarders in winter. In summer, the outdoor specialty store switches its spotlighted items to camping gear, bikes and paddle sports.
Hoigaard’s, purchased by Specialty Sports Venture (SSV), retail subsidiary of Vail Resorts, established its community roots as a tent and awning retailer in 1895.
Since 1960, when Hoigaard’s expanded their line to become an outdoor specialty store, it has been the Twin Cities’ preeminent snowboard and ski shop. For the past 38 years, Hoigaard’s has continued to host its famed September Tent Sale.
Interestingly, the store name will remain the same and most of the present employees are scheduled to stay onboard. Todd Brewer, president, whose wife Jill is a 4th generation Hoigaard, will also remain.
Brewer confided that the family had sought a change. Ultimately, Hoigaard’s purchased by Vail Resorts appeared the better alternative for sustaining stellar values and loyal employees.
Kat Jobanputra, C.O.O. of SSV, appeared in agreement by remarking that Hoigaard’s, the newest member of their retail family, is “perfectly aligned with the qualities that define the Specialty Sports Venture culture and philosophy”.
Im sure won’t change much with Hoigaard’s, but if anything does, it should be for the better.
Steele Fitness & Under Armour Launching Co-Branded Stores
May 17th, 2013 by Cale LokenIn a smooth branding move, Steele Fitness and Under Armour are projected to launch co-branded stores in May. Steele Fitness, an up-and-coming chain of six fitness centers and Under Armour, high-end sports apparel manufacturer developed an idea, so simple, yet so brilliant, it’s pre-ordained to win.
With the core concept that retail and fitness marry well, Steele Fitness will become a test market for an Under Armour store with cutting edge athletic apparel. According to Steele Smiley, founder Steel Fitness, a one-one-one relationship will free them from juggling 15 sports-related apparel vendors in their current store.
Steele plans a total renovation of the existing 2,500 square-foot space in Edina, MN. Currently they stock 500 units of product purchased from 15 vendors.
The new launch will be named Under Armour for Steele. The store will carry co-branded workout gear, men and women’s sports apparel, footwear and accessories. Steele will up their inventory to 3,500 units of Under Armour product. In addition, Under Armour announced plans to design collections solely for the new venture.
Looking at the big picture, Smiley hopes to open an Under Armour store adjacent to his existing health clubs plus projected expansions.
Jeff Green, retail consultant agreed that fitness centers seem a “natural place to sell workout apparel”.
At first glance, the partnership may appear lopsided, in favor of Steele Fitness. But, Under Armour is painting their own big picture by scouting prominent local products from Baltimore to Shanghai that meld with their specialty store concept.
Their first adventure into the fitness world will aim at attracting the younger set who will pay big bucks for extravagant extras to glam-up their workout attire.
Advertisements are splashed over the internet for full-time and part-time sales associates “to create the ultimate shopping experience for our guests”.
Looks like a great fit and partnership, we will have to see how it plays out.
Recent Sporting Goods Store Openings
May 15th, 2013 by Cale LokenModell’s Sporting Goods opened the company’s 154 store in Arlington, VA last Thursday, May 9th. The Modell’s store will be located in The Pentagon Centre at 1201 S. Hayes Street in Arlington, VA. The phone number for the location is 703-413-3056.
Golfsmith opened 2 new stores this past weekend in Gainesville, VA as well as one in Beavercreek, OH. The Gainsville store is Golfsmith’s fifth Northern Virginia location and builds on the company’s success in Fairfax, Sterling, Woodbridge, and Tysons Corner.
The Beavercreek store is located at 2720 Towne Drive and is Golfsmith’s fourth location in Ohio with other stores including Cleveland, Columbus-Easton and Columbus-Sawmill. The Texas-based golf retailer will continue its expansion in 2013 with 10 planned stores throughout the US.