The Forzani Group Unveils New Store Concept

By: Forzani Group | 4 Shares 163 Reads

Sport Chek & Fitness Source Megastore Debuts In Calgary At Deerfoot Mall

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 16, 2008) - The Forzani Group Ltd. (TSX:FGL), Canada's largest retailer of sporting goods is proud to unveil a new store concept that leverages two of The Forzani Group's businesses generating a unique product mix. The new Fitness Source megastore adjoins Sport Chek to create a destination store and an even more compelling shopping experience. Together the stores encompass 43,000 square-feet and are positioned within Calgary's Deerfoot Mall (NE) at 64th and Deerfoot Trail, debuting Thursday, December 18th.

The opening of the corporate Fitness Source store in Calgary marks the first of its kind and is the largest fitness store in Canada. The Fitness Source stores have only resided in the Ontario and Quebec market as a franchise banner, typically with just 4000 square feet. The new store will be over 20,000 square feet. The existing space at the previous Sport Chek location was over 40,000 square feet which provided the ability to downsize while opening the area necessary to meet the needs of a brand new Fitness Source project.

The Fitness Source megastore signals to consumers that this is a premier destination and one-stop fitness speciality shop all under one roof. Equipment will take up the centre space and vast majority of the retail floor encompassing treadmills, elliptical machines, home gyms, upright and recumbent bikes, rowers and steppers. There will be an area dedicated to weights, barbells and dumbbells, along with a boxing area. The perimeter will be dedicated to apparel, accessories, vitamins, nutrition and footwear. At the back of the store, there will be separate showrooms where consumers can view the home fitness equipment packages suited to their budgets and space requirements. As well, a multi-purpose workout area was created for training and demonstrations. Private offices are also available for customers to discuss financing options and for scheduling delivery and set up, in a confidential and comfortable environment.

"This is a completely new shopping experience that sets us apart from every other store," said The Forzani Group's Director of Special Projects, Bill McCullagh. "The customer advantage is not only seen with our vast product assortment, but through our ample amenities. Customers can choose to pick up equipment at the store or arrange in home delivery and set up. We also offer no interest financing, 'while you wait' processing, a comfortable non-commissioned atmosphere, a no hassle return and exchange policy, a low price guarantee and AIRMILES reward miles. We've also hired and trained management and staff from the fitness industry that are passionate about fitness and helping others be healthy and fit."

"We've stayed true to what our customers have always loved about Sport Chek and Fitness Source -a wide selection of top name brands, guaranteed best pricing, knowledgeable staff and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Overall, this new concept store is a key part of our long-term strategic plan. The fitness market is untapped in a prototype such as this, and we set out to differentiate our megastore and give customers a reason to choose us over other retailers", said Tom Quinn, President & COO for The Forzani Group Ltd.

About The Forzani Group Ltd.

The Forzani Group Ltd. is Canada's largest national retailer of sporting goods, offering a comprehensive assortment of brand-name and private-brand products, operating stores from coast to coast, under the following corporate and franchise banners: Sport Chek, Coast Mountain Sports, Sport Mart, National Sports, Athletes World, Hockey Experts, Sports Experts, Intersport, Econosports, Atmosphere, Tech Shop, Pegasus, Nevada Bob's Golf, The Fitness Source and S3. The Company also has websites for several of its corporate and franchise banners which can be accessed through its main website at www.forzanigroup.com.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of The Forzani Group Ltd. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. The Company, in compliance with the reporting requirements of the various securities commissions, details these risks and uncertainties from time to time.

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