At a time when store closures are becoming the norm, with recent announcements that stores like Nordstrom would be closing in Canada, it’s always good news when we hear about new banner stores. Such is the case with the Sporting Life Group, which is launching a new national banner called Team Town Sports.
Team Town Sports will offer a retail experience geared specifically towards team sports, including hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cricket, curling, lacrosse, football, rugby, and ringette. Locations will open across Canada in Spring 2023 and will be complemented by an e-commerce platform.
“By making it a place where all customers can access the equipment they need to play and train for the team sports they love, Team Town Sports represents the reinvention of the sports retail experience,” says Chad McKinnon, President, Sporting Life Group. “Our goal is to meet the needs of a diverse Canadian population with a model that feels welcoming and inclusive. Our latest concept will feature all team sports under one roof, allowing us to connect with our customers through a shared passion for sports.”
There will be an estimated 25 locations across Canada, offering a total of 2,000 and 2,200 retail jobs for Canadians. The first three locations will be in Calgary and Mississauga, ON. Set to open on May 11, 2023, the first store will be at Market Mall, 3412 49th St. NW, #100, in Calgary. It will be approximately 26,000 square feet. The second location, also in Calgary, will open May 24 at Heritage Mall, 33 Heritage Gate SE, Unit 33. This store will be the largest of the first three at 34,000 square feet. On July 24, the company will open the third store, measuring 30,000 square feet, at Meadowvale Town Centre, Mississauga, ON, 3135 Argentia Rd, Unit 6/LVB.
The modern-designed stores will be focused on offering end-to-end service, with staff that are experts in and have a passion for the sports and categories they sell. There will be a diverse selection of products for team sports, for every gender and age, including youth sports through the Kids’ Kingdom. Team Town Sports will also provide a wide selection for female athletes, which Sporting Life says is a “historically underserved customer base in the Canadian sports retailing market.”
In addition to apparel and traditional equipment, Team Town Sports will also offer the latest in simulation technology, and custom fitting for equipment.
Team Town Sports is the third banner owned and operated by the Sporting Life Group, joining Sporting Life and Golf Town. There are currently 14 Sporting Life stores operating across Canada and 47 Golf Town stores.