Construction crews are busy ripping up an old Walgreens on East Speedway to make room for cycles, tents and canoes.
Bookmans Recreation Exchange is expected to open in the spring at the Rancho Center on Speedway, just east of Country Club Road.
The sister store to Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, the recreation shop will have new, used and refurbished outdoor gear and exercise equipment in the 13,000-square-foot shop.
Store credit will be universal, so people who trade in old movies or music at the entertainment shops can use their credit for roller skates or a tent, Bookmans owner Bob Oldfather said.
An important feature of the new store, he said, will be plentiful seating areas where enthusiasts can visit with the staff or each other. "I want to hire passionate employees, versus retail drones," Oldfather said.
People are also reading…
Television screens will display sports and outdoors-related programming. In the 9,000-square-foot basement, equipment will be cleaned and restored before moving into the retail space upstairs. Last week, an elevator shaft was being installed to connect the two floors.
Sean Feeney, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Bookmans, said employees are already acquiring merchandise through online sources and word of mouth.
He said about 20 people will be hired once the store is ready to open.
Go online to bookmans.com for the latest on the upcoming store.