Homegrown Footwear and Activewear Retailer Adding Sixth Michigan Location
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Dec. 8, 2021 – Gazelle Sports, the Michigan-based running specialty shop and footwear and active apparel retailer, today announced plans for its sixth retail location, and fourth in West Michigan, set to open in downtown Grand Rapids in spring/summer 2022. The announcement was made by Gazelle Sports CEO, Jennifer Brummitt.
Founded in Kalamazoo, Mich. in 1985, today there are Gazelle Sports locations in Birmingham, Grand Rapids (East Beltline), Holland, Kalamazoo, and Northville. The new downtown Grand Rapids store will be the retailer’s first new location since 2016.
Located just blocks from Rosa Parks Circle at 52 Monroe Center St. NW, the planned 3,600-square-foot store is expected to employ a full-time manager and up to 12 additional team members, both full- and part-time. It will serve as a hub for many of Gazelle Sports’ most popular West Michigan community events, including the She Runs Grand Rapids (formerly Gazelle Girl) Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races.
The new location is being made possible through Gazelle Sports’ partnerships with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and Rockford Construction.
“As a business that started in downtown Kalamazoo more than 35 years ago, we believe in the power of local business adding to the vibrancy and experience of a great downtown community,” said Brummitt (left). “The vision for downtown Grand Rapids as a retail and wellness destination is a great fit for our organization, and we look forward to further committing to Grand Rapids by planting our roots on Monroe Center.”
“The pandemic had a significant impact on our small business community,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “As we look to build back from the pandemic, the Downtown Development Authority and City are committed to attracting unique, community-focused retailers that will drive new customers into the downtown area in support of our existing retail base. I applaud Gazelle Sports for their longstanding commitment to West Michigan and am excited to welcome them to our downtown community.”
“We are thrilled to bring Gazelle Sports to downtown Grand Rapids through our collaborative efforts with DGRI,” said Mike Mraz, president of real estate development at Rockford Construction, which will serve as the property manager for the Grand Rapids location. “Adding a successful, community-driven local business highlights the attractiveness and excitement surrounding retail opportunities along Monroe Center.”
The new downtown Grand Rapids Gazelle Sports will offer the latest merchandise, programming, and events, including free community runs/walks, injury-prevention clinics, race training, social events, fundraisers, and more. More information on Gazelle Sports, its products, locations, and community initiatives is available at GazelleSports.com.
About Gazelle Sports
Gazelle Sports was founded in Kalamazoo, Mich. in 1985. Today, there are Michigan locations in Holland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Northville, and Birmingham, where Gazelle Sports strives for retail excellence by providing the world’s best customer care. Gazelle Sports offers footwear and apparel for active and casual use, provides free runs/walks, weekly clinics, and organizes or supports more than 200 community events throughout the year. For more information visit GazelleSports.com.
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