Academy Sports + Outdoors celebrates grand opening
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ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Customers didn't let the rain deter them from Academy Sports + Outdoors’ grand opening on Friday morning.
At 7:45 a.m. customers lined the sidewalk to get their first look at the Ohio Valley Mall's newest store.
As the first 150 customers walked into the store they were greeted by store employees who gave them an entry into a raffle to receive a store gift card anywhere from $20 to $500.
In addition to employees greeting the early morning shoppers, the Wheeling Nailers mascot Spike also welcomed them to the store.
The St. Clairsville store is part of Academy Sports + Outdoors’ continued expansion into northern states. The company, headquartered in Katy, Texas, began in 1938 as a tire shop before transitioning into an Army surplus store and eventually becoming a sporting goods retailer.
Other Ohio stores are located in Springfield, Boardman, North Canton and Zanesville. The closest West Virginia location is near Morgantown.
Store Director Amy Darnell said that she's excited to see the Ohio Valley's reception to the store opening.
The store features equipment and apparel for a variety of sports and outdoor activities, including basketball, cycling, kayaking, fishing and hunting. It also carries major brands with options ranging from budget-friendly products to higher-end equipment.
The store also includes a trading card section for collectors.
"Academy Sports is always looking for new communities to engage with, and we are super excited to be a part of the valley. They’ve been great and we’ve had a great reciprocation from the valley, and we’re just happy to be here," Darnell said.
She added that the store will be continuing to celebrate its grand opening throughout the entire weekend.
On Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. former NFL player and East Wheeling native CJ Goodwin will be participating in a meet-and-greet event inside the store.
"We love to see the Ohio Valley come out and support our grand opening like this, I’m happy to give them some gift cards, let them shop, let them have some fun because that’s what we sell is fun," Darnell said. "We have a lot of stuff on sale. We’ve got rods, reels, and combos for 25% off. Our private label clothing is 50% off. We’ve got 25% off shoes and socks, and a lot of other great deals around the store."
On top of the various sales in the store the grand opening weekend celebration also falls on Ohio's Tax Free Weekend.
Qualifying clothing priced at $75 or less per item and school supplies priced at $20 or less per item are eligible for the tax exemption. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that may be purchased.
Ohio Valley Mall marketing director Candi Noble-Greathouse said Academy Sports + Outdoors is a fantastic addition to the mall and is located at the former Sears location.
"We now have two new spaces in the former location, and it’s a bright, really attractive new store filled with merchandise that we know the shopper is going to love," Noble-Greathouse said. "We’re so excited to have the new store, and they’ve brought so much excitement today, and that continues the rest of the weekend. It’s just a great welcome to the Ohio Valley."
Academy Sports + Outdoors is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.