New site for Stirling Sports

Eric and Robin Hazelden contemplate their new Stirling Sports store, currently being renovated in the former Dick Smith site at Okara shopping centre. Photo / Michael Cunningham

There is a new Stirling Sports store opening shortly at Okara Park, on the site where the former electronics retailer Dick Smith was located.

The projected opening date is July 1 and builders are currently renovating the site to meet Stirling Sports franchisees' Eric and Robyn Hazelden's needs.

The Hazeldens already have a Stirling Sports store in Kerikeri - they have owned that operation since 2007 but had many years of experience in sports stores before that. They have been in business for 16 years.

The previous Stirling Sports site was marginally smaller than the current site, which has a total available space of 340sq m. However, the Hazeldens have erected a false wall to provide great storage space for stock, which brought the retail space down to 240sq m.

Stirling Sports, the national brand, is moving away from stocking traditional sports equipment and more into apparel.

"We are going to be stocking quality sports performance wear and lifestyle accessories, to help casual and top athletes get the most out of their sport," Mr Hazelden said.

He is expecting the store to have a staff of up to six, including a manager and two full-time and three part-time assistants.

In addition, Mr Hazelden said he would be spending about two days a week at the store, especially while it was bedding in. "Until we have it running to our standard, I will be keeping a close eye on it," he said.

It is that sort of attention to detail that has won the Hazeldens the title of top Stirling Sports business of the year twice, ahead of 50 other franchise stores.

He said Stirling Sports was not aiming to be in competition with any of the other retailers at the Okara centre, but would be offering a different style and range of product.

- Stirling Sports on Rathbone St closed on May 27 this year after the former franchisees, Donna and Mark Newman, opted not to renew their lease.