N.Y.-based Modell’s Sporting Goods "will open its first central Boston retail store in March" when it takes over the 10,000-square-foot location of now-bankrupt City Sports, according to Donna Goodison of the BOSTON HERALD. Modell's CEO Mitch Modell said, "It’s a phenomenal location. Since 2004, we’ve been trying to get downtown." He added, "We’re going to sell very technical high-end footwear and high-end apparel. It’s based on that customer base down there. We know there’s a huge market for better merchandise. We do it in New York, in certain pockets where you have affluent customers." Modell noted that athletic footwear at the store "will run $80 to $200, with the top tier of all brands represented." Goodison reports the new store’s "planned opening date would mark 11 1⁄2 years since Modell’s entered Massachusetts" with a store in Medford. Modell's also "bought the leases for two City Sports locations" in Philadelphia and DC during the bankruptcy sale. The three new stores "will bring its store count to more than 150" across nine states and DC (BOSTON HERALD, 12/29).
