Champs Sports Unveils Reimagined Store Concept
Published
Although in-store shopping may have suffered due to COVID-19 and the advent of online shopping (thanks, Amazon), retailers still want to ensure that customers' in-store experience is top-notch. For Champs Sports, a brand under the Foot Locker (and now Dick’s Sporting Goods) banner, they’ve just debuted a new immersive shopping experience in Tampa, Florida (Brandon Exchange) and Portland, Oregon (Washington Square) under the Reimagined concept.
Part of Foot Locker, Inc.'s broader Lace Up Plan to modernize its retail footprint, the Reimagined Champs Sports stores deliver a fresh take on the brand's "Sport For Life" platform. The new stores aim to serve everyone from sneakerheads to families to performance runners with a curated mix of multi-brand apparel, footwear, and accessories showcased in a sleek, contemporary space.
“At its core, Champs Sports focuses on serving sport-style enthusiasts with head-to-toe assortments,” said Tony Aversa, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Champs Sports. “The Reimagined store concept redefines what the Champs Sports in-store shopping experience can be, enhancing every step of the customer journey.”
The modernized storefronts now feature elevated digital storytelling, striking “Premier Walls” with bold product displays, and upgraded fitting rooms to create a more immersive try-on experience. A dedicated family zone brings together women’s and kids’ footwear, making Champs Sports a destination for the whole household.
Taking cues from customer insights, Champs Sports has also doubled down on its popular Run Club, expanding dedicated Men’s and Women’s running areas stocked with curated performance gear. Enhanced digital tools, like 3-D scanning for precise sizing, allow you to get precise measurements and insights into how your feet are. For example, the scanner can tell if you overpronate and recommend orthotic insoles based on a pressure map of your feet.
In celebration of the grand opening, Champs Sports is teaming up with Nike for a community-focused event in Portland, July 26–27. There will also be an event in Tampa, August 9–10. Both weekends will have live entertainment, giveaways, customization stations, and Champs Run Club community runs, which the retailer continues to expand upon nationwide.
Nike’s Vice President of North America Sales & Marketplace, Jason Kirrer, best summarized it: “The Reimagined store concept reflects our shared objectives to celebrate sport and serve athletes through elevated retail and experiences.”
If you’re in the Tampa or Portland area today for the official first day of opening, you should probably head to the newly redesigned stores. Some hidden restocks and early products might be available from multiple footwear brands.
Expect to see more of these storefronts roll out as there are plans to scale the concept to additional locations in the future. Stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world by downloading the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Images via Champs Sports
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
