Dunham's Sports opened Friday at the Schuylkill Mall.
"Six years ago, I made a commitment to Schuylkill Mall long-term and we continue our commitment that we will continue to improve the performance of the mall and the shopping experience for a long time to come," Michael S. Pearlstein, president and chief executive officer of Empire Realty Investments, the owner of the mall, said while standing outside the store.
He thanked others affiliated with the mall for its success.
Pearlstein then cut the ribbon with Rick Parker, store manager.
"Let's go shopping now," Pearlstein said.
About 20 people were on hand for the opening. Those attending received free blue Dunham's T-shirts, while coffee, doughnuts and candy were also available inside the store.
The 58,000-square-foot sports store features a variety of items including brand-name clothing like Columbia, Nike and Reebok, sneakers, hats, kayaks, bikes, hunting equipment, golf equipment and other sports-related equipment. There is even a driving range at the back of the store. Regular hours will be 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Outside, bikes and watercraft were displayed. Inside, kayaks hung from cables in the ceiling.
Parker said the store has 35 employees and is fully staffed.
"We are enormously excited to be here. We think this store is such a great fit for Schuylkill County. For the first time, people are going to be able to access a full-service sporting goods store. We really think we're going to satisfy the needs of the sports enthusiasts," he said.
Jeff Allen, 41, and his friend, Mark Hall, 22, both of Ashland, were hitting golf balls inside.
"It's convenient," Allen said of the range.
He planned to look in other areas of the store including the hunting section. After hitting a few balls into a black net cast against the back of the room, the men later looked at golf clubs.
Ray Burke, 73, of Frackville, was so excited to wear his new Avia sneakers that he took them out of the box and was wearing them before he bought them.
Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage stopped by, too.
"It's great to have another good corporate partner that believes in Schuylkill County," he said.
The event was so important to two men they decided to skip work Friday, they said.
Grant Marlow, 72, of Lavelle, and Marvin Davis, 56, said they like the new Dunham's.
"From what I see, it looks nice, probably good for the area," Marlow said.
"It's closer than having to run to Cabela's," Davis said.
His purchases included golf balls and a golf shirt.
"I think it will be a great store," said Clifford Hutton, 61, of Minersville, as he was getting gifts for his 8-year-old granddaughter.