Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999 | 11:03 a.m.
Nevada Bob's Golf Inc. plans to open a 7,000-square-foot store on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Luxor hotel-casino.
Officials hope to open the store before New Year's in the Akita Plaza shopping center.
"We just closed on the site, and it all depends on how fast we can get building approval and construction done," said Chief Operating Officer Martin Bunting.
Bunting said the company will close its only Las Vegas store, at 4043 South Eastern Ave., when the new store is built.
Bunting said the new store will feature a full selection of men's and women's golf accessories, as well as around-the-clock televised golfing highlights and an indoor electronic driving range.
The company plans to expand its Las Vegas presence in the new year.
"We are looking at a property on West Sahara in the northwest corridor area, and hope to have that going by next spring," said Bunting.
The Calgary, Alberta-based company just completed its merger with Nevada Bob's Canada Inc., Nevada Bob's Pro Shop Inc. and GDH International Inc. Heading up the new organization is Lyle P. Edwards, chief executive of Nevada Bob's Canada. Last spring, Las Vegas-based Nevada Bob's Pro Shop Inc. filed for bankruptcy. In August, the company was acquired via a stock exchange and incorporated into a new chain of related retail stores.
The new company operates under the name Nevada Bob's Golf Inc. Under terms of the deal, the previous shareholders of Nevada Bob's Pro Shop Inc. and GDH effectively own about 60 percent of the new company's shares.
Company officials say they plan to "dramatically increase the total number of system-wide stores" by focussing on development of new franchises. The company also hopes to expand its online presence.
Bunting said the company's Calgary office will serve as administrative headquarters for Canada, while the Las Vegas store serves as the center of its American operations. "Corporate financial issues will be handled at our headquarters in Calgary," he said.
Nevada Bob's Golf Inc. currently has 281 stores, primarily in the United State and Canada. Revenues from retail operations comprise 77 percent of total revenue. During the first year of consolidated operations, the company expects revenue to surpass $250 million.
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