By TOM CALLIS By TOM CALLIS ADVERTISING Tribune-Herald staff writer Sports Authority is pushing back the opening date for its new Hilo location by at least two months. District Manager Ben Arita said the company is aiming to have the
By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Sports Authority is pushing back the opening date for its new Hilo location by at least two months.
District Manager Ben Arita said the company is aiming to have the new sporting goods store open its doors in late July at Prince Kuhio Plaza, though he added it remains a moving target.
The nationwide chain had previously planned to move into the 50,000-square-foot retail space formerly occupied by Woolworth’s department store in May.
“We’re trying to move it up but the date is fluctuating,” he said.
Arita said the company is remodeling its Maui location, which has redirected some of its resources.
“Once that completes, we can move it to Hilo and get that started and ready,” he said.
Arita said the store will employ at least 60 people.
Stores typically range between 50 and 75 workers, he said.
A mass hire event will likely take place in June, Arita said.
Applications will be accepted online at www.sportsauthority.com. No openings for the future Hilo location were listed Thursday.
He said the store will carry all “full-line sporting goods” seen at Sports Authority’s other locations in Kailua-Kona, Maui and Oahu.
The store will include sections for hunting, fishing, team sports and fitness. Brand names such as Nike, Adidas and Under Armour will also be featured.
The Hilo store will have an updated layout and design, which will make it look a bit different than the company’s older locations, Arita said.
“It will be the latest and greatest Sports Authority out there,” he said, while declining to provide additional details.
“I’d rather you guys see it once it is done,” Arita added.
The former Woolworth’s location has been vacant for most of the past decade.
Sports Authority has five locations in Hawaii, with three located on Oahu.
The Hawaii Star-Advertiser reported in February that another store will open on Oahu’s windward side by the end of the year.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
