Sporting goods retailer, The Sports Authority, is profiled
today in the MIAMI HERALD. Dale Dupont writes, "In the past
year, one competitor has bitten the dust. Another has filed for
bankruptcy protection. Still another changed top management.
And Sports Authority just kept growing." At more than $1B in
sales, the 136-store chain is preparing to open smaller format
stores in major downtown areas called Sports Authority Junior,
emphasizing more profitable footwear and apparel. Sports
Authority Chair Jack Smith hopes to have 350 stores with revenues
of $3.5B by 2000, and this year the chain plans to open 31 stores
in the U.S. and Canada, and three in Japan with a partner. Smith
also said they are "looking" in England (MIAMI HERALD, 5/30).
MORE RETAIL NEWS: Lisa Blackman profiles efforts of the new
management team at Tampa-based Sports & Recreations Inc. On
Wednesday, CEO Stephen Bebis said the company hoped to relieve
"bloated" inventory levels by holding a company-wide clearance
sale this summer (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 5/30). Sports & Recreation will
also close up to five of its 85 stores (Mark Albright, ST.
PETERSBURG TIMES, 5/30).
