Sport Chek prepares to open in Cranbrook

Canada’s largest sporting goods retailer will be opening in Cranbrook, B.C., in spring of 2014

Sport Chek, Canada's largest sporting goods retailer, will open a store in Cranbrook, B.C., in April 2014. — Marie Milner photo

Construction on the new Sport Chek store has progressed quickly since the perimeter was marked out on the southern edge of the Wal-Mart parking lot in Cranbrook, B.C. Those who are familiar with Sport Chek know that it is Canada’s largest sporting goods retailer, with over 170 stores across the country.

Kootenay Business learned that Sport Chek will be holding a hiring fair on March 5 to 7 at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort and Convention Centre, hoping to hire up to 31 people for sales, cashier and tech positions in its new store. It is the company’s policy to provide training so that its staff become experts at offering customers accurate information and products that are exactly right for them in terms of fit and preference.

Opening day is scheduled for April 10, and the grand opening will be a five-day event with door crashers, discounts and great deals.

“Our goal is to create a sports and active lifestyle hub within the community,” said Brendon Arnold, communications manager for FGL Sports, the corporate head of Sport Chek. “Whether you’re looking for a new pair of runners or needing some advice on your running technique, our in-store experts can provide the complete customer experience to the Cranbrook community ... we want to make sure you’re better equipped to tackle your next activity. Whether that’s product or knowledge based, we have you covered.”

Arnold said that Sport Chek plans to bring its policy of community involvement to Cranbrook, supporting many sporting and active-lifestyle activities and events as it does in the other centres where its stores are located.