Team Sportia’s former premises at Solbacken
It has been almost two years since Team Sportia’s store at Solbacken closed.
But now the store is returning to Skellefteå – in a new location.
Former store manager Anton Wiklund, cycling and workshop manager Erik Degermark, golf department head Pär Gustavsson, together with co-owner Matthew Youngman, will open the doors to the returning sports store this winter.
In the two years since their store at Solbacken shut its doors, the trio have been working elsewhere, yet consistently harbored the ambition to find a new spot and make a fresh start.
– The process has been very up and down. It was full throttle to begin with, then it stalled a bit, and we started to wonder if it would ever happen. But the desire was always there, so it feels good that it worked out, says Pär Gustavsson.
The owners are delighted with their new premises – a former conference space within Hotel Aurum – praising both its location and the generous 400-square-meter footprint.
– We looked at it from the start, but it was occupied then. When we started searching again, we asked about the building next door, but this one had then become available. I guess it was meant to be.
What are your thoughts on the store’s size?
– It’s a bit less than half the size of what we had at Solbacken, but we’ll specialise more in cross-country skis, golf, bikes and shoes. There won’t be so many clothes, says Gustavsson.
Why the reduced focus on clothing?
– Clothes are easy to buy online, and all of us want to specialise and help customers get the right gear. That’s what we’re passionate about.
The decision to close their previous establishment stemmed from a rent increase at Solbacken. Now, they anticipate a November reopening.
Aren’t you concerned this venture might not succeed, considering your last closure less than two years ago?
– No. We’re really starting a new store with a refined concept, but using the same old name. Team Sportia's central HQ are onboard, and the chain has been growing quite strongly. It’s a good time for us.
The plan involves three of the four co-owners – Anton Wiklund, Erik Degermark, and Pär Gustavsson – working in the store, alongside one new hire.
With numerous sports shops in town, what will be your unique selling proposition?
– That we’ll be specialists. When customers need help, we want to be the place they come to.
Their satisfaction extends to the southside location, which Gustavsson reveals was always their ideal:
– This is where we always wanted to be. It’s a good spot and there’s never been a sports shop here before.