Champs Sports Debuts New Store Format
The new “Homefield” concept aims to make the store a true home for modern athletes. The new store, located in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is the largest of any Foot Locker subsidiary in the world at more than 35,000 square feet.
The store offers a range of performance and lifestyle products, services and experiences to cater to the dynamic and versatile athletes' life. The retailer is targeting the modern athlete on and off the field, with the wider range of products appealing to active individuals who take on various forms of training, health and wellness.
The store concept also offers specialized services through new experiences, including a full-sized basketball, a multi-sport court and a Champs Sports Combine digital VR system. There is also a “Wall of Game” feature that honors community members who have made a positive contribution to local sports. The first five honorees will be revealed during an induction ceremony on April 23.
The Homefield store will feature a wide assortment of apparel, sneakers and equipment for a variety of sports, including running, training and yoga, to team sports like basketball, football, and baseball. The store will also target runners with 65 different performance running styles and a try-on treadmill to aid in finding the perfect pair of running shoes.
"At Champs Sports, we are committed to listening to our consumers. We've been a part of athletes' lives since inception and this new Homefield concept directly caters to their total needs," Guy Harkless, senior vice president and general manager of Champs Sports and Eastbay, said in a statement. "We know those needs are constantly changing and therefore, we are evolving with our consumers across all categories. Our new store in Pembroke Pines represents our own growth and intentional support of all athletes while representing the Champs Sports of the future."
The new Homefield store is holding a grand opening April 22-24, with workout classes for guests, including band training, high-intensity interval training, yoga and basketball skills. Local artist ABSTRK will have a performance footwear customization art station, while guests can also partake in a gaming lounge, and photo moments, with music provided by local DJs.
Champs Sports’ concept comes after Dick’s Sporting Goods launched a new format, Dick’s House of Sport, with expanded experiences and services for athletes. Both retailers’ store expansions signify how the industry is aiming to lure in consumers with new experiences that go beyond traditional retail.