Another outdoor store is following REI into the Wichita market
It was a bit of a surprise when Wichita landed an REI store, and some wondered if the market could support it.
Apparently there are plenty of shoppers for outdoor goods, because now REI competitor Sierra, previously known as Sierra Trading Post, is opening here, too.
Sierra has signed a lease for about 20,000 square feet of the former Toys “R” Us space at the Eastgate Plaza shopping center at Kellogg and Rock Road.
Sierra is part of the Massachusetts-based TJX Cos., which also owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and HomeSense.
Eastgate is home to a T.J. Maxx as well.
No one with the company is commenting yet.
According to Sierra’s website, the chain started in Reno in 1986 as a catalog company and boasted savings of 40% to 60% on outdoor clothing and equipment, including name brands. It also featured hand-drawn items in its first catalog.
The first Sierra Trading Post store opened in 1990. TJX bought the business in 2012.
A few years later, Sierra switched from its, “Love the deals and live the adventure,” tagline to, “We are all explorers.”
Sierra sells a range of items related to camping, hiking, water sports, snow sports, travel and fitness. That includes gear — such as tents, skis, fishing poles and luggage — as well as clothing for a range of activities.
There also is merchandise related to pets, homes, kitchens and dining.
REI opened in the summer of 2020.
Sierra should open by mid-to-late summer 2022. Look for more details then.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 10:50 AM.