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Posted on Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 6 a.m.

Ann Arbor's Sun & Snow Sports expanding into new store in downtown Plymouth

By Paula Gardner

Ann Arbor's Sun & Snow Sports will expand into downtown Plymouth by March 1 after finalizing a lease for a 4,000-square-foot storefront on Sunday.

"We're very excited about it," said co-owner Heidi Parent. "... The numbers lined up, and it made sense for us."

The store, a 35-year fixture in Ann Arbor, operates in about 8,000 square feet in the Westgate Shopping Center on the city's west side. Parent said that won't change.

The deal for the new store - in the works for several weeks - concludes a search for new space in the Western Wayne County community that lasted about 8 months, Parent said.

The Plymouth store will be located on the corner of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail, in spaces occupied by two retailers that closed Dec. 31: Parkside Gallery and Michigan Made and More.

"It's probably the best location downtown," Parent said.

Plymouth is a natural fit for the store: Sun & Snow founder Bob Parent has lived there for some time, and now Heidi and store co-owner Rob Parent - her husband - live there, too.

Expanding into a second storefront also makes sense for the owners as they seek to grow their recreational sports business that specializes in ski equipment and apparel and swimwear, along with equipment rentals.

Plus, Parent said, no comparable stores are in that market.

sun & snow pix.jpg

Heidi Parent and Bob Parent, co-owners of Sun & Snow with Rob Parent, pose with Detroit Tigers mascot Paws at a late 2009 customer appreciation event in their Ann Arbor store in the Westgate Shopping Center.

AnnArbor.com file photo.

Parent said the new store needs cosmetic upgrades like paint and flooring, and the co-owners plan a look for interior that will mirror the Ann Arbor location, with a raised ceiling, neutral carpeting and green tones throughout.

The opportunity to open the new store comes amid economic uncertainty in Southeast Michigan. But with Sun & Snow already expanding the scope of its business to include more event-oriented marketing, the Parents decided the Plymouth market offered a ready-made customer base. And proximity to the existing store will let the co-owners spend time there, cultivating customer relationships.

The Ann Arbor store, which employs 15 during the winter season, will remain the Sun & Snow base of operations, Parent said.

"We still plan to make this the warehouse and do service work out of here," she said of the Westgate store. "It's still going to be the family running it."

Paula Gardner is Business Director at AnnArbor.com. Contact her by email or follow her on Twitter.

Comments

Barb

Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.

As someone who has lived in both Plymouth and Ann Arbor (and much prefers A2, thanks)... congrats! That could be a great move for the company. Plymouth is a very different community from Ann Arbor, but I think that kind of business will do very well there. Yay for Michigan businesses!

Sun & Snow Sports

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.

Eric, I think the article came across as if we we're moving because of Heidi's comment about the warehouse and serice work. What she means is that this will be the same full-service ski, snowboard & swim shop, while Plymouth will be the convenience location for eastsiders.

Sun & Snow Sports

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

Hey guys... we're adding a second location... not leaving Ann Arbor! :) It's an opportunity to serve our customers from the East as well. We're pretty pumped. The way we view it, Ann Arbor is our flagship, while Plymouth will be an extension. No worries... Ann Arbor is home!

ERIC MEYERS

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 10:57 a.m.

Why are they affraid to simple expand in ann arbor.

ERIC MEYERS

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.

And soon another business will leave ann arbor who is keeping count.I am quite sure it is noit the mayor or city council.

Sweet Afton Tea Room

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.

Bob, Heidi and Rob, Welcome to Downtown Plymouth! As you know, it is a great town with wonderful, friendly people. Phyllis and Al Wilkerson Sweet Afton Tea Room

Angela Smith

Tue, Jan 5, 2010 : 7:44 a.m.

Plymouth will be lucky to get them.