March 28, 2024

Hibbett Sports bringing athletic apparel, equipment to Newton

Newtonians will soon have a new place to buy sporting goods. Hibbett Sports is setting up shop on First Avenue.

The Birmingham, Alab..-based athletic retailer will open its 13th Iowa location this spring/summer on the east side of the Family Video building at 308 First Ave. E. Family Video will continue to occupy the west side of the 6,700-square foot building.

Newton Development Corporation Executive Director Frank Liebl announced the new store’s arrival on Monday.

“Economic Development team members have been working with Hibbett Sports for about three years,” Liebl said. “Our first contact with them was at the National Retail Show in Las Vegas. Landing Hibbett Sports was a direct result of information gleaned from the Buxton Study which the City of Newton commissioned back in 2013.”

The Buxton Study gave the city an idea of retailers that would be interested in communities the size of Newton. Liebl said attracting a national chain like Hibbett is important.

“It’s been expressed by surveys that have been done within the community that people in the community would like more retail options,” Liebl said.

Hibbett Sports has more than 1,000 stores in 34 states.

The company has a long history of focusing on the needs of the local teams and leagues, with a variety of services to meet the needs of coaches, players and individuals, Liebl said.

Premium footwear and other equipment from Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Brooks and Asics will be available at the new location.

Newton Director of Finance and Development Bryan Friedman said it is exciting to see retail growth in Newton, and additional sporting goods options will help meet a need in the community. Friedman also said it is great that Family Video will be able to retain its presence in the city.

Family Video will remain open during the entire process of Hibbett Sports moving in, said Family Video District Manager Tony Starr. The video rental store expects to be finished with its moving process in the next few weeks, Starr said. Hibbett Sports will make the transition as soon as Family Video wraps up.

Family Video is currently building a new entrance on the west side of the building.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com