Sportsman's Warehouse in NE Fresno enjoys brisk business

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Northeast Fresno's newest shopping center is anchored by a store that's drawing folks in search of outdoor sporting goods. The 39 acre development is bordered by Friant Road, Audubon Drive, Cole Avenue and Fresno Street.

Sportsman's Warehouse caters to customers who love the outdoors. You'll find plenty of people who enjoy camping, hunting and fishing in the Valley. John Jones came all the way from Dos Palos because word has quickly spread there's a new spot to get your gear.

"Oh yeah and I'm definitely in it to win it," said Jones. "I love hunting and fishing. We're looking for a scope for my 300 short mag. We're going to Colorado on an elk hunt and heard this is the place to go."

Those who fish local lakes and rivers also dropped in. Roger George is a local fishing guide who also writes a fishing column for the Fresno Bee. He says an outdoor specialty store like this is fills a niche for an under-served community in the Valley.

"We have a very unusual mixture of all kinds of hunting and fishing and a lot of it at a high level that you wouldn't expect," said George. "We're really a gem that hasn't been discovered yet."

Before the shopping center opened, this stretch of road was known more for all the campaign signs that would greet people would drove by.

Several other businesses, including Kebab Time, Figaro's Mexican Restaurant, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and Corner Bakery Cafe will also soon open.