Sport Chalet was founded in 1959 by husband and wife Norbert and Irene Olberz. They purchased a ski and tennis store in La Canada, California, where the company headquarters remains today.
The store was popular because it carried merchandise other stores did not have, like surfboards, scuba and mountain climbing equipment.
In 1981, a second location was opened in Huntington Beach.
By 1987, there were 6 stores. The chain continued to grow in the late 80s and early 90s.
In 1992, the company went public.
In 2011, founder Norbert Olberz died.
Today, there are 54 Sport Chalet stores in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Besides selling sporting goods, many locations have dive pools and offer scuba certification classes.
Sport ChaletSport Chalet was founded in 1959 by husband and wife Norbert and Irene Olberz. They purchased a ski and tennis store in La Canada, California, where the company headquarters remains today.
The store was popular because it carried merchandise other stores did not have, like surfboards, scuba and mountain climbing equipment.
In 1981, a second location was opened in Huntington Beach.
History
By 1987, there were 6 stores. The chain continued to grow in the late 80s and early 90s.
In 1992, the company went public.
In 2011, founder Norbert Olberz died.
Today, there are 54 Sport Chalet stores in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Besides selling sporting goods, many locations have dive pools and offer scuba certification classes.