CHAMPS SPORTS OPENS IN MALL

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- A sporting goods store has opened in West Park Mall along center court.

"Champs Sports is an upbeat retail sports shop," said store manager Todd Anderson. "It offers clothes, footwear and everything you need for sports under one roof."

He indicated that half the floor space is devoted to clothing, 25 percent to footwear, 15 percent to accessories and 10 percent to hard goods. The store covers 5,200 square feet.

Anderson said Champs emphasizes one stop shopping and customer service as its top priorities.

"Champs is three years old," he said. "The company is based in Bradanton, Fla., and has 240 stores nationwide now. It is opening 100 stores annually. Champs has eight other stores in Missouri and is opening two more soon."

Kinney Shoes Inc. of New York owns the chain. It carries Nike, Reebock, Adidas, Champion, L.A. Gear and other major brands.

Anderson manages 18 employees in the local store. A Minnesota native, he has been with Champs two years and previously worked at the Chesterfield store.