Sports Authority Stores Begin to Sell Wii Consoles
The sports store starts selling Wii and fitness themed Wii games and accessories.
Today, The Sports Authority signed a deal with Nintendo in order to sell Wii consoles, Wii Fit Plus, and other fitness themed accessories and games for Wii starting November 19.
The retailer plans to have a dedicated Wii section in its stores and will also provide an opportunity for customers to try out Wii Fit Plus at in-store demo stations.
On the nineteenth, 102 stores will begin selling the console, games, and accessories with the remainder of the stores following suit, Spring 2010.
The official press release is available below.
Press Release
A Nice Fit: Sports Authority, Nintendo Team Up To Unveil a New Wii Experience
Sports Authority event Nov. 19 in L.A. to feature Jillian Michaels; "world's largest Wii Fit Plus demonstration" planned
Englewood, Colo.-- Two industry leaders are joining together to create a new way to experience fitness gaming. The Sports Authority, Inc.("Sports Authority") and Nintendo of America Inc. ("Nintendo") are teaming up to help consumers trade static workouts for ones that involve fun and fitness for the whole family.
The collaboration will allow Sports Authority to sell in its stores WiiTM gaming systems and Wii Fit Plus, as well as various accessories and games for Wii. Sports Authority is creating a "We know fit. We know fun." experience to help consumers get to know the Wii system better. The retail concept at Sports Authority stores will feature a special Wii interactive fitness experience and knowledgeable fitness trainers allowing customers to try Wii and Wii Fit Plus before they buy.
"Consumers already look to us as the authority for their sports and fitness needs, so the retail partnership with Nintendo is the intersection of fitness and interactive gaming," said David Campisi, president of Sports Authority. "Sports Authority recognized that the Wii console is a product that can help you stay active and have fun with your family at the same time, which is why the retail partnership with Nintendo is a perfect fit."
The Wii interactive fitness area and branded trainers will provide consumers a unique in-store experience and creates a new retail category, setting Sports Authority apart from other gaming and sporting goods retailers. This brings together the popularity of Wii and the growing market of casual gamers, encompassing anyone from kids, families and the mature generations. Consumers will benefit because they now can satisfy their fitness- and sports-gaming needs under one roof at Sports Authority.
"Every day Nintendo continues to attract new people to the world of video games," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Now, through our retail partnership with Sports Authority, fitness fans have a convenient location to find fitness-related Nintendo products."
Sports Authority is hosting an event on Nov. 19, 2009, at its location in Torrance, Calif. Jillian Michaels, one of the country's leading health and wellness experts, will be at the event to support Sports Authority and promote her new Wii video game, "Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010." Michaels is a New York Times bestselling author, trainer and life coach on the NBC hit series The Biggest Loser, and star of the upcoming NBC show Losing It With Jillian.
"Americans are always looking for ways to get fit, and many look to Jillian as the expert in motivation and fitness," said Giancarlo Chersich, CEO of Empowered Media. "Jillian wanted to support Sports Authority by helping consumers meet their health and wellness goals."
The event will feature "the world's largest Wii Fit Plus demonstration" and other surprises. More information on the event can be found at www.thewiiauthority.com or on Sports Authority's Facebook fan page.
The "We know fit. We know fun." experience will be unveiled Nov. 19 at 102 select Sports Authority stores throughout the nation. The remainder of the company's stores will feature the experience in Spring 2010.
Comments