Dunham's, a national sporting goods chain, is ready to open in the old Younkers location

Dunham’s, a national sporting goods chain, is ready to open in the old Younkers location

Posted by author September 28, 2024 Sports

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The wait is nearly over for Dunham’s Sports in Ames.

A banner advertising the commercial sporting goods store can be seen on the front side of the North Grand Mall, while a permanent sign greets shoppers on the west side.

Employees are busy filling the shelves for the grand opening on Friday, Oct. 4 in the former Younkers location. Younkers closed its doors in 2018 after 77 years in Ames.

Assistant Manager Carter Loof said employees have been working to prepare the Ames location since late July and are excited about the opening date.

More: A look at the 77 years of Ames’ Younkers

A place to find anything and everything sports

The Dunham’s store will be stocked with “a ton” of clothing apparel and footwear, along with a variety of athletic equipment.

“We’re a sporting goods store, so we’re going to have everything from boxing to pickleball to disc golf,” Loof said. “We’ll have outdoor and indoor games, table tennis tables and basketball hoops, just a ton of stuff to choose from.”

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Almost 90 years of business

The large sporting goods chain has more than 250 stores nationwide, from Wyoming to Maryland. Each location offers a full line of traditional sporting goods and athletic equipment, along with a variety of sports apparel and footwear.

Dunham’s roots date back to 1937, when Dunham’s Bait & Tackle opened in West Bloomfield, Minnesota.

The business has grown into a chain with locations in 25 states.

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Dunham’s will be open seven days a week

Dunham’s will operate seven days a week, according to its website. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Dunham’s also has Iowa locations in Mason City, Spencer, Sioux City and Ottumwa.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.