The sign didn't go up until Tuesday, but the new Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Oro Valley has been doing business for about two weeks.
Tyler Ritchie, manager of the store at North La Cañada Drive and West Lambert Lane, said the sign took a while because it had to match others in the neighborhood.
The store, which is in a former Osco Drug building, is the fourth in the Tucson area and the first on the Northwest Side. Ritchie transferred to Oro Valley — where he lives — from another Big 5 store at South Midvale Park and West Valencia roads.
"That's a busy area," he said of his former workplace location. "The Northwest Side is also booming, I remember when there wasn't much here."
Customer Ed Slentz, who lives nearby, said the store is a welcome addition to his neighborhood.
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"It'll be convenient," the retiree said as he left the store with a new sports shirt and khaki shorts.
Inside, first assistant manager Sharon Reese greeted customers who strolled in as she filled in for cashier Kris Cervantes, who was out to lunch.
"Hello, how are you?" she said to everyone entering the store.
Reese said she transferred to the new store from the Big 5 at East Speedway and North Craycroft Road.
The move got her a promotion and shaved 45 minutes from her daily commute, said Reese, who lives in Eagle Crest Ranch. The housing development straddles the dividing line between Pima and Pinal counties.
"It takes me 15 minutes to get here," Reese said.
Among the early shoppers at Big 5 were Morgan Hunter and his wife, Sharon, who live in Marana.
"We've been watching; we knew it was coming," he said.
His wife bought a pair of tennis shoes. "I got a great deal," she said.
Basics of the store
• Here's the lowdown on the new Big 5 Sporting Goods store:
Address: 10390 N. La Cañada Drive.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
Call: 742-0667.
