New sporting goods store says it can snag customers in slow economy

The slow economy has hurt many businesses in Nevada, but Jerry Bond said his new sporting goods store will be successful because he'll bring in products that customers want.

CV Sports, 911 Topsy Lane in Carson Valley Plaza, is having its grand opening this weekend.

Bond, who used to run a ski rental shop at Lake Tahoe, said his store will fill locals' need for ski gear without having to drive to Lake Tahoe or Reno.

"They just couldn't find what they needed locally," he said.

But the store shouldn't be seen only as a ski shop, he said. It will also focus on supplies for sports like camping, climbing, soccer and baseball.

Bond said he's spent time talking to people about what they want.

"Obviously we can't carry everything," he said. "We're not Scheels."

Bill Chernock, executive director of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, said money is tight and businesses need to cut prices, give better customer service or do something to differentiate themselves.

"On a big scale right now, what we're communicating to businesses is that when times get tough, it's about demonstrating value to your customers," he said.

Other sporting goods stores in the area said sales have been slow even as established businesses.

The economy is "brutal" for business because many things sporting goods stores sell are considered luxury items, said Ryan Frost, co-owner of the Sporting Rage, which has operated for 20 years in Carson City.

Some things like inexpensive sunglasses and rock climbing gear are still popular, he said, but traditionally popular expensive items like kayaks are sitting on the shelves.

"The bigger the ticket, the less we sell," he said.

Jimmy Koyama, owner of the 702 Skateboard & Snowboard Shop in Carson Valley Plaza, said this is the worst economy he's seen since opening the store in 1991.

"It just took a dive at the beginning of the year," he said, "and it has been downhill ever since."

For more information about CV Sports, call 267-9699.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.