THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 1996 TAG: 9610220372
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEPHANIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 39 lines
Kinetix, a young activewear and footwear retailer based in Canton, Ohio, plans to enter the Hampton Roads market next month with a store in Chesapeake's Greenbrier.
The fledgling chain, founded by a former executive with Camelot Music, was attracted to this region by its youthful population, economic growth and pleasant climate.
``It's a growing market in an area that's more conducive to outdoor activity,'' said Anthony Visconsi, a real estate representative with Kinetix.
In Hampton Roads, the footwear and apparel retailer will compete with a number of stores, everything from Sneakers Stadium in Virginia Beach to The Gap.
``There really isn't one (retailer) to compare us to,'' said Barbara Churchill, a spokeswoman for Kinetix.
That's because Kinetix targets a lifestyle rather than a specific retail sector like sporting goods or apparel, company officials said. The 30,000-square-foot store will cater to everyone from golfers to in-line skaters and offer about 1,200 styles of footwear. The store also will offer loafers, jeans and casual dresses.
It's an odd mix, but company officials say it's working.
Although the privately owned retailer does not release its earnings or sales, the chain's executives are optimistic about the future. The chain currently has two stores, in Canton and Charlotte, with plans for five more locations by the end of 1997.
The Chesapeake store, which is scheduled to open Nov. 9, will be the company's third outlet. It will join Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Target discount store and Bed Bath & Beyond in a new shopping center off Greenbrier Parkway.
Kinetix was founded by Jeff David, son of the founder of Camelot Music chain. David also was a Camelot executive before starting Kinetix in 1995. by CNB