In its first national TV campaign in several years, The Sports Authority is rolling out “The Gift of Sport,” a 30-second spot featuring imagery of real amateur athletes. The retailer also said most locations will open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28 at 6PM until midnight.
“We saw a chance to run counter to the technology and inspire people to
unplug and give a more meaningful gift of the gift of sports,” Paul Okimoto, chief marketing officer of Sports Authority, told adage.com. “It's not about winning or losing or the
best athletes. It's more about the sports, and it's really the
traditional emotional connection with sports.”
Factory Design Labs, became Sports Authority's advertising firm in July, created the ad.
In a separate press release, Sports Authority announced its 2013 Black Friday Doorbusters to give shoppers a sneak peek at the best deals this holiday season. Most Sports Authority locations will open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28 at 6PM until midnight and again on Black Friday, November 29 from 6AM to 10PM. Customers can also shop online from the comfort of their own homes as Sports Authority's Black Friday Doorbusters will be available beginning at 12:01AM EST on Thanksgiving Day at www.sportsauthority.com.
“To provide convenient access to Black Friday deals and better serve our customers, we are excited to open our stores at 6PM on Thursday and offer our Black Friday Doorbusters online all day on Thanksgiving Day,” said Michael E. Foss, chief executive officer of Sports Authority. “Our customers can shop with confidence for everyone on their list knowing Sports Authority is offering our best Black Friday Doorbusters ever.”
Sports Authority is also offering 2-Day Deals that will run on Friday, Nov. 29 from 6AM to 10PM and Saturday, Nov. 30 from 8AM to 10PM for customers to save even more throughout the entire weekend. These deals will be available at www.sportsauthority.com starting at 12:01AM EST on Friday, Nov. 29. Store hours may vary by location.
To jumpstart holiday shopping, Sports Authority will provide the first 80 people in line at each location on Thursday and Friday the chance to win up to $500 in Bonus Bucks. Additionally, shoppers will receive a $25 Sports Authority Cash Card with the purchase of any Columbia or The North Face purchase totaling $125 or more. Cash Card valid for future in-store purchase.
BLACK FRIDAY DOORBUSTERS
Available Thursday and Friday only, while supplies last. Exclusions apply, see store for details or visit www.sportsauthority.com.
Buy One, Get One 50% off Men's, Women's and Kids' Footwear
Buy One, Get One Free Balls
25% off Men's, Women's and Kids' Under Armour Battle Hoodies (deal available through Saturday)
50% off Nike Men's and Women's Fleece Apparel
30% – 50% Off Entire Stock of Toys
50% off Outerwear (brands include: Slalom, Alpine Design, Gerry and Sims)
$179.99 for Lifetime 50″ Portable or In-Ground Basketball System (a savings of $250)
$99 for Kids' Reaction Mountain Bike (a savings of $100)
$479.99 for Pro-Form Performance 400 Treadmill (a savings of $720)
$1999.99 Body Rider Dual Action Cardio Hybrid Trainer (a savings of $400)
$199.99 for Men's or Women's Tommy Armour Silver Scot Complete Golf Set (a savings of $100- $400)
$9.99 Men's, Women's or Kids' Alpine Design Fleece Top or PJ Bottoms (save 50%)
$3.99 Men's, Women's or Kids' Alpine Design Fleece Beanies or Gloves (save 60%)
2-DAY DEALS
Available Friday and Saturday only, while supplies last. Exclusions apply, see store for details or visit www.sportsauthority.com.
$69.99 for The North Face Men's Chimborazo and Women's Morningside Fleece Jacket (a savings of $29)
25% off Nike Men's and Women's Pro-Cold Weather Apparel and Women's Fitness Pro, Legend 2.0 and Cotton Lycra Bras, Shorts, Tanks, Capris and Pants
$114.99 Men's or Women's asics GEL-Kayano 19 Running Shoes (a savings of $35)
$139.99 for Ping Pong Fury Table Tennis Table (a savings of $160)
$349.99 for Pro-Form 7.0 RE Elliptical (a savings of $450)
$779.99 for Pro-Form Performance 600 C Treadmill (a savings of $820)
Sports Authority is also hiring up to 5,000 employees for the holiday season to ensure each store is staffed with knowledgeable team members to assist in selecting holiday gifts.
The retailer has more than 475 locations across 43 states.
