Big 5 opens in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Just in time for the annual post-Thanksgiving feast of consumerism known as Black Friday, Sandpoint's Big 5 Sporting Goods is open for business.

Located at Fifth Avenue and Fir Street, the store held an unadvertised "soft opening" Tuesday to work out any kinks, but the real test comes today as throngs of bargain shoppers descend on the store looking for discounted sporting goods.

Store manager Matt Jacob said his team of roughly 20 employees has been working hard preparing for Black Friday and will be up for the task.

"Everyone's going to be ready. We've been training for three weeks now, so we'll be ready for it," Jacob said.

Despite the lack of advertising for its soft opening, Jacob said the store has been filled with customers, and he said reviews have been exceedingly positive.

"The reaction's been great," Jacob said. "People are excited to be here."

Jacob, who came to Sandpoint after spending 10 years at a Big 5 in Coeur d'Alene, said Sandpoint's store is the most impressive he has seen.

"This is a cleaner, fresher look than the other stores," he said. "Most other Big Five stores seem to be cinder block, square buildings. This is probably the best looking store I've seen."

Another anticipated Fifth Avenue venture, Jack in the Box, has yet to open, but the company's division vice president Brian Luscomb said the restaurant is sure to impress when it opens in mid-December.

"Some of the cool amenities there include a fireplace, drive-thru viewing window, decorative pendant lighting, a mix of seating styles (ranging from hi-top round tables to bar seating), ceramic tile floors, graphics and wall collages … even water-saving restrooms," Luscomb said in an e-mail.

Luscomb said manager James Biggs is still in the process of hiring a full staff, but said the restaurant will eventually employ 40 local residents.