SPORTS CHALET EXPANDING, SPRUCING UP.Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer LA CANADA Flintridge - Sporting goods Noun 1. sporting goods - sports equipment sold as a commodity commodity, trade good, good - articles of commerce sports equipment - equipment needed to participate in a particular sport retailer Sports Chalet Inc. is broadening its footprint in California, with the chain's first two stores slated to open in Northern California Northern California, sometimes referred to as NorCal, is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The region contains the San Francisco Bay Area, the state capital, Sacramento; as well as the substantial natural beauty of the redwood forests, the northern . A third store is planned for Redlands; all three will open this fall. The move comes at a time when many retailers are scaling back due to general uncertainty in the sector. But Sport Chalet Sport Chalet is a retailer of sporting equipment, apparel, shoes, and accessories in the United States. It operates approximately 40 company owned stores in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, with new stores opening soon in Utah, with the first at Jordan Landing. remains secure with its plans, expecting to explore even more locations for new store openings. ``We're pretty confident right now. We know what it's like to experience some down time, although the company has a strong balance sheet,'' said Howard Kaminsky, Sport Chalet's chief financial officer. As part of its initial foray into Verb 1. foray into - enter someone else's territory and take spoils; "The pirates raided the coastal villages regularly" raid encroach upon, intrude on, obtrude upon, invade - to intrude upon, infringe, encroach on, violate; "This new colleague invades my Northern California, the company will open a store in Antioch and central Sacramento. Kaminsky said there was ample consumer demand up north, especially with the close proximity of Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Sport Chalet will also open a store in Redlands, furthering its presence in Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, . The La Canada company Canada Company, land settlement company chartered in England in 1826. It was initiated by the Scottish novelist John Galt, who proposed that Upper Canada (Ontario) sell government lands in order to raise money to compensate settlers who had suffered losses from the will operate a total of 31 stores upon the new openings. Tom Goetzinger, a retail analyst with Morningstar in Chicago, said Sport Chalet's ability to serve a niche market helps the company stay afloat. But competition from other retailers like Sports Authority and Sport Mart could hurt the company. ``Sporting goods retail is also tough because tastes can be so fickle,'' Goetzinger said. ``These stores almost to have anticipate what the next trend is going to be.'' For Sport Chalet, keeping up with what's hip means sprucing up the stores' aesthetics. The orange rugs that once covered Sport Chalet's floors are being pulled, while the stores' walls will soon be covered in new graphics. The store in West Hills is currently receiving an injection of style, with a ``grand remodeling remodeling /re·mod·el·ing/ (re-mod´el-ing) reorganization or renovation of an old structure. bone remodeling opening'' expected before July 4, Kaminsky said. Sport Chalet shares declined 16 cents to close at $7 Tuesday on the Nasdaq market. On Monday, the company reported net income of $4.2 million for the 12 months ended March 31, compared with $4.79 million for the same period a year ago. Evan Pondel, (818) 713-3662 evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com |
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