Dick's Sporting Goods Welcomes Early Shoppers

It was barely 8 o'clock Friday morning and already shoppers, eager to see the new store, were lined up ready to get inside.

They were met with the smiling faces of the store's staff who were on hand to answer questions, direct the first-time shoppers and hand out free T-shirts.

"We're happy to be in the community," said Michael Lee, the company's Community Marketing Manger, who was on hand for the grand opening.

The 50,000 square-foot store, located on the site of the old Kroger grocery store, is packed with fishing gear, kayaks, baseball bats and gloves, golf clubs, an array of sports shoes, tennis rackets - and plenty more.

Once inside the store, the shoppers spread out to check out the merchandise and look for grand opening specials.

We found Peachtree Corners resident Jim Broome, an associate broker at Keller Williams Realty, who had headed to the golf section to look for a new wedge.

"It's awesome, newer and nicer," noticed Broome who had shopping at the Alpharetta store. He noted that the Peachtree Corners store also had more check out counters which he liked.

The store has been long awaited by the community, and at least one shopper also liked the facelift the new store gave the old shopping center.

"I love it," said Joli Haughn, who has been living in the Peachtree Station for the past seven years. "It's bringing up the area."

This weekend there will be plenty of reasons to visit the store even if you're not in the market for new sports gear, you may get a chance to see one of the three celebrities who will be on hand Saturday and Sunday to sign autographs.

On Saturday, Dick's will be giving away Crocs to the first 100 customers through the door, (limit one per person and must be 18 years or older).

Later that day, former Atlanta Braves Manager, Bobby Cox, will be onsite from noon – 2 p.m.

And, Atlanta Hawks Forward, Josh Smith will stop by from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday former Georgia quarterback, David Greene will be at the store from noon – 2 p.m.

Special extended store hours will also be in effect for Friday (8 a.m.–10 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.–8 p.m.).

The store is located at Peachtree Square, 6050 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 450, Peachtree Corners, 30092; telephone 770-613-0077. Ted Thomas is the Store Manager.