Sporting goods retailer Sports Basement has opened its first SoCal location in Fountain Valley.
Taking over the former Fry’s Electronics building off the San Diego (405) Freeway, Sports Basement’s 12th store runs 80,000 square feet.
The Bay Area-based retailer offers a large selection of outdoor gear from ski and surf equipment to fitness apparel, as well as bike and snowboard rentals. Stores also provide event spaces for locals hosting fitness clubs and fundraisers.
Former Fry’s Electronics locations have been popular since the chain closed in February 2021 due to the pandemic and changing consumer habits.
Another Fry’s location in Anaheim was turned into an Amazon delivery warehouse running about 144,000 square feet. Sports Basements’ third store in Sunnyvale was also previously a Fry’s center.
The retailer is the latest sporting goods business to debut locally, with another outdoor brand, Bass Pro Shops, opening its first OC spot in Irvine next year.
Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro will take over a 140,000-square-foot space last used by a Walmart at the Alton Marketplace. The deal was the largest reported retail lease in OC in over a year.
