Austad’s nearly done with major renovation
Dec. 12, 2018
Austad’s Golf had two goals for the renovation and expansion of its flagship store.
One was “to create a totally immersive golf experience,” president Ryan Austad said.
“And we wanted to celebrate our history as the oldest family-owned golf retailer in the country.”
As the project wraps up at 2801 E. 10th St., he said they have achieved both.
The space that the golf store took over from a grocery store in 1987 has been modernized but still retains ties to the company’s past.
“We spent a year dreaming this place up, so to see it come to fruition is exciting,” Austad said.
“It’s like Christmas morning every time we walk in, but I think it turned out exactly the way we want.”
Everything from floor to ceiling has been touched. It’s lightened up, modernized and re-merchandised to include more items in nearly every category.
When customers enter, they will see multiple golf simulators – nicknamed Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and St. Andrews.
There now are five fitting bays to swing in, one putter fitting area and one wedge fitting area.
“We already have someone who stops in every day at noon to putt and have fun,” Austad said.
Much of the inventory has been designed into “concept shops” highlighting brands such as TravisMathew and Under Armour. The staff will finish setting up in the coming weeks.
“The apparel section is much, much larger,” Austad said. “The shoe section is larger. Everything is a bit more.”
A “garage build shop” also will open soon, offering personalization services.
And in a nod to the past, a sign from 1965 that used to hang downtown now sits at the checkout area, and prints from former Austad’s catalogs line the walls.
While the project added about 2,500 square feet of retail space, there’s enough room left to retain Austad’s popular warehouse sale.
“A lot of people have been asking if we can still do it,” Austad said. “We will. There’s plenty of room in the warehouse for the annual extravaganza.”
