Kevin Lapthorn has been busy since June. It’s his job as the store director at Academy Sports and Outdoors, a Brunswick shopping centre.
“I moved from Ohio in June with my family. We love it and are happy to be here. He laughed and said that his family, still in Ohio, is experiencing mornings at 45 degrees.
Lapthorn is a regular store customer, and he enjoys the cool climate.
He’s been trying to get the sales associates and products on the shelves since the construction of the 63,000-square-foot store was completed three weeks ago. He said it all is coming together in preparation for the grand opening on November 11.
“We moved in just two weeks ago. We were granted a temporary occupancy permit to put up shelves and fixtures. He said we have more than 100 people working with us to prepare everything.
Lapthorn stated that the company would continue to employ those 100 workers after the doors close. While many of the workers hail from Glynn County, a few are from other parts.
“I would estimate that 75 per cent of them are from Glynn County.” He said that there are also some from McIntosh or other areas.
The store will be open once it is fully operational. It will sell activewear, sports merchandise, and outdoor gear. The store will offer prizes and special events during the grand opening celebrations.
He said, “We’ll have a Saturday celebration with giveaways and demonstrations that weekend.”
The store will open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and at weekends from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. On Sunday, the store will be open from 8:30 to 8:30 p.m.
After Hobby Lobby opened in August, Academy Sports and Outdoors was the next store to open at the complex. Next month will see Panera Bread, Panda Express and HomeGoods stores opening, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Sam’s Club, the largest store in the complex, is scheduled to open in 2017’s first half. The complex will cover over 60 acres and represents a $30 million investment for Glynn County.
