Sports Authority Stores Closing Early Because People Actually Bought Things At Liquidation Prices

Image courtesy of Laura Northrup

If Sports Authority’s management ever wondered whether its pricing was appropriate, it now has the answer, thanks to the company’s going-out-of-business sales: customers flocked to the chain once everything was marked down. Employees of stores near the chain’s headquarters in the suburbs of Denver told the Denver Post that the sales attracted lots of customers, and merchandise sold out more quickly than anticipated.

The company nearly had to halt the liquidation sales because it was out of money, but this explanation for the early end is pretty plausible, too. We found some pretty good deals when Consumerist visited a store that was mostly through its liquidation back in May. What it shows is that Sports Authority’s pricing and maybe its business model didn’t work in an environment where shoppers can order much of what the company sells online for better prices, unless they have a camping-related emergency.

“To put it in perspective, for the month of June, we did $1.1 million in sales,” the manager of the store in Boulder told the Denver Post. “Last year, I totaled at $4.7 million for the entire year.” Those sales figures are at the discounted prices. Another employee compared the level of business to Black Friday.

If you want to scoop up last-minute bargains, check with your local Sports Authority store: we now know that not all will stay open until the end of August, but closing dates will vary.

Sports Authority stores in Colorado to close next week [Denver Post]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.