Sports Authority opens two new stores, remodels a third

Sports Authority, which has more than 450 retail sports equipment stores in 45 states, is expanding in Las Vegas.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., Sports Authority has opened two new stores in the valley while remodeling a third store.

The new stores are in Downtown Summerlin and in Henderson at 701 Marks St. The Downtown Summerlin store opened Oct. 9, while the Henderson store debuted on Halloween.

The remodeled store, which opened in 2007, is at North Rainbow Boulevard and Lake Mead Boulevard.

The three stores employ 100 workers, and the staff is expected to increase to 150 as the holiday shopping season nears, said Kevin Mitchell, Sports Authority district manager for Las Vegas and north Phoenix.

“You’re like a college football coach. You’re always recruiting,” Mitchell said.

He credited the economic recovery as the main factor for the new stores and remodeling in Las Vegas.

“Everybody could see the economy is coming back strong in Las Vegas,” Mitchell said.

The new 38,000-square-foot store in Downtown Summerlin features splashes of colorful apparel in a Nike section that greets customers as they enter the store, with a prominent yoga display flanking the high-profile Nike brand gear.

The basketballs, baseball bats, golf clubs and tennis racquets are still in the store, but they’re farther in the back. The Nike and Under Armour brands are featured closer to the front of the store.

“It’s a softer look but more appealing,” Mitchell said.

The two Las Vegas stores will face sports retail competition from brands such as Sports Chalet and REI on the west side of Las Vegas. Plus, a new Golfsmith store opened in Downtown Summerlin just two stores from the Sports Authority space.

Mitchell said he doesn’t mind having another sports retailer such as Golfsmith in the same shopping center because he believes both stores can help each other.

The new Sports Authority stores are expected to be strong in sales in footwear, apparel and baseball, softball and football equipment as they tap into the family demographic, he said.

He said the North Rainbow Boulevard store will be strong in lacrosse and fitness.

Sports Authority has annual sales of $3.65 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Contact reporter Alan Snel at asnel@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5273. Find him on Twitter: @BicycleManSnel