Bearpaw to open outlet store at Sylvan Corners, next to future brewery

By Sara Beth Williams–
A locally based national footwear company is relocating its outlet store to a location six times the size.

Bearpaw, a national chain that sells shoes and other merchandise, has housed its corporate offices as well as an outlet store on the southeast corner of Sylvan Corners, located on Old Auburn Road and Sylvan Road.

Bearpaw President and CEO Tom Romeo told The Sentinel on Tuesday that when Goodwill Industries closed earlier this year, he made the decision to move all merchandise from a 2,000-square-foot store into a 12,000-square-foot section of the former Goodwill building across the street.

Romeo said he hopes to open by the first weekend of August.

The outlet store will start with an inventory of 15,000 pairs of shoes, Romeo said, adding that his goal is to include all merchandise “from head to toe,” from the company’s online store, including, socks, gloves, accessories, hats, bags, eyewear, sportswear, and outdoor wear.

“Eventually the outlet will have everything our dot com has,” Romeo said, adding that many of the products will be returned items that have never been worn, along with some brand-new merchandise. All merchandise will be 40 to 50 percent off, Romeo said.

A touch screen monitor with the company’s website will also be located in the store. The smaller outlet is already closed, and Romeo said the company plans to lease the former space.

As previously reported, DarkHeart Brewery also plans to occupy part of the former Goodwill store, The city confirmed Tuesday that the former Goodwill building totals approximately 16,000 square feet and will be divided into two spaces. DarkHeart will use about 3,200 square feet, which is the area that was previously the Goodwill Donation Center, and Bearpaw will use the remaining.

Residents on social media have expressed some concern about limited parking in front of both Bearpaw and DarkHeart Brewery. Romeo said there are at least 80 parking spots located around the corner of the building that houses Whatsupstairs, Bearpaw Outlet, and DarkHeart Brewery. The parking spaces would be shared among the three businesses, along with Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant and Misión Roca De Salvación church.

Romeo, who owns the former Goodwill building, said DarkHeart Brewery is aiming for an opening date sometime in September or October.