NEVADA BOB'S CANADA OUTLINES EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PLANS
SYMBOL: NBC - ASE
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - Nevada Bob's Canada Inc. announced today an
aggressive expansion and renovation program to roll-out the next generation in
golf retailing stores.
Martin C. Bunting, Chief Operating Officer of Nevada Bob's Canada Inc.,
outlined the company's plans at the official opening of Nevada Bob's
redesigned, refixtured and remerchandised concept store at Southland Crossing
in Calgary.
''The concept store is the prototype for what will be Canada's most
innovative and comprehensive network of golf retail outlets,'' said Mr.
Bunting. ''These are high impact, destination stores specifically designed and
merchandised for every level of golfer.''
Mr. Bunting said Nevada Bob's is positioning itself as the one source for
everything golf and an integral part of that positioning is the concept store
format.
''These stores offer great merchandise depth, clearly marked men's,
women's and junior's departments, attentive staff, and in-store practice areas
-- all in an open, welcoming environment. We've even added sand traps in our
practice area so that our customers can try out all of our equipment.''
Mr. Bunting said Nevada Bob's plans to more than double its network of
pro shops over the next five years, bringing the total to 80 to 100 stores.
They are currently 46 Nevada Bob's stores in Canada.
He said the new format will immediately be rolled out to eight new stores
the company plans to open in Alberta and British Columbia between February and
May of 1998, and to the 8-10 major market stores slated to be renovated by the
end of April next year.
The company also announced it would introduce the new format in two
British Columbia stores it plans to relocate and expand next year.
The new stores will range in size from 4,500-sq.ft. to 5,000-sq. ft. Each
of the new and renovated stores will by customized to the local marketplace
while retaining a consistent Nevada Bob's look and feel.
Nevada Bob's Canada Inc., an Alberta public company which trades under
the symbol NBC on the Alberta Stock Exchange, is Canada's largest retailer of
golf equipment, fashions and accessories.
NEVADA BOB'S CANADA INC.
GOLF IN CANADA - FACT SHEET
- Approximately 4.8 million Canadians over the age of 12 are golfers
equals 19.4% of the total population
- 3.5 million Canadian men aged 12 and older play golf
- 1.3 million Canadian women aged 12 and older play golf
- One in four young men aged 12 - 17 play golf
- Approximately 350,000 Canadians began playing golf in 1996
- Women 12 and older comprise 51.8% of the beginner player segment
- The average beginning golfer is 24.5 years old
- Almost 72% of all beginning golfers are in the 12 to 34 age group
- Twice as many Canadians per capita play golf as Americans
- There are 1.8 million core golfers -- golfers who play 10 or more
rounds a year -- in Canada
- 2.5 million Canadian golfers have household incomes exceeding $50,000
- 1.4 million Canadian golfers have household incomes exceeding $75,000
- 2.6 million Canadians aged 18 and older are occasional golfers,
playing 1-7 rounds a year
- Canadians aged 12 and older played more than 67 million rounds of golf
in 1996
- 34.3% of all golfers live in Ontario
- Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have the highest participation
rate -- an estimated 27.5% of the combined population aged 12 and
older play
- The Atlantic provinces have the fewest golfers in Canada
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For further information: Carson J. Wynne, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Nevada Bob's
Canada Inc., (403) 294-0600 |
