While the "last year has been a struggle" for FL-based
The Sports Authority (TSA), CEO Marty Hanaka, who has
"revamped every aspect" of the company's "playbook," told
shareholders yesterday that a "game plan is in place to turn
the score around," according to Elaine Walker of the MIAMI
HERALD. Hanaka: "Unfortunately, turnarounds take a long
time, and it's taking us longer than we would like. We're
already seeing rays of hope. We're hopeful that if we're
doing what the customers want, they'll start shopping with
us again." TSA opened a "prototype" of its store "of the
future" in NJ in March and will open another in FL in
August. The new stores feature "video monitors with
sporting events and giant posters of athletes" to "help make
the store more lively," as well as "more action," including
practice golf activities and computer simulations. Sales
at the NJ prototype have been 25% "ahead of budget," and the
store is "expected to do" $12M in sales this year, compared
to $10M for "a traditional store." TSA "intends to use the
model for all its new stores, including five or six planned
for this year" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/28). REUTERS reports that
the new stores feature "more heavily promoted goods ...
[and] put hot-selling footwear up front" (REUTERS, 5/28).
