The Hixson area rekindles its growth path this week with the opening of Academy Sports + Outdoors in the newest shopping center off Highway 153.
Developer Greg Blosser said The Fountains of North Chattanooga is one of just a handful of new centers currently going up statewide due to the economy.
“That’s a testament to Chattanooga’s growth,” he said about the development estimated at between $20 million and $25 million when built out.
Katy, Texas-based Academy, which operates 112 stores in 11 states in the Southeast, sells sports apparel, footwear and equipment as well as hunting, fishing and camping goods.
The Hixson store, to open Friday, will employ about 100 people at its 66,000-square-foot unit in the shopping center at Highway 153 and Pine Marr Road, said Elise Hasbrook, the company’s senior communications manager.