Olympia Sports Opens in Aberdeen Marketplace

The "All America City" now has its own sporting goods store.

Olympia Sports opened in Aberdeen Marketplace on Thursday. It was a "soft opening," according to staff, who said a grand opening event is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 23.

So far, the store has had an "excellent reception," Manager Hope Jones said. "People keep saying they are so glad they don't have to go to Bel Air."

Olympia Sports carries name-brand apparel like Under Armour and Adidas, plus gear from balls and bats to goggles and helmets. There's a wall of shoes plus racks of socks to go with them too.

Olympia Sports is a chain that has more than 200 stores from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic. The Aberdeen store is the only one in Harford County. Other locations nearby are in Elkton and North East, which is currently being rebuilt as the result of a fire.

According to the Olympia Sports website, it builds a presence in "sports-oriented communities" and puts great emphasis on customer service.

Sales Associate Joey Bilodeau said customers commented on the convenience of having an Aberdeen store. "All the people in Havre de Grace say it's nice to have a local sports store," Bilodeau said. He added that the store did exceptionally well over the weekend.

To celebrate its first week open, the Aberdeen Olympia Sports is offering 20 percent off all purchases storewide until Sunday.

The grand opening event will include free t-shirts and a chance to win a $500 gift card giveaway; it lasts from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Olympia Sports is located at 1016 Beards Hill Road in Aberdeen.