Public Lands store opens in Cranberry Twp.
CRANBERRY TWP — With more people venturing outdoors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions, a new store in Cranberry hopes to capitalize on their newfound sense of adventure.
Public Lands, which celebrated its grand opening Friday in Cranberry Square, will provide shoppers services in addition to products related to the great outdoors.
The location is one of two stores of its kind built by Dick's Sporting Goods.
Amber Rollo, general manager of the new Cranberry store, said the design of the building will help Public Lands meet its unique goal. In addition to more than 100 guides — store staff who help outfit, educate and engage customers on myriad topics — the store's foyer provides a chance for visitors to learn in addition to shop.
“You experience people first, rather than products, when you enter the store,” she said.
'Celebrate and protect'
More than simply a shopping experience, Public Lands has another aim: To “celebrate and protect public lands for all.”
In fact, that slogan is in large letters right past the front door.
Public Lands president Todd Spaletto said the store will do this not only through helping people explore the great outdoors, but also via volunteering, donations and otherwise partnering with local organizations.
“Moving forward, we're going to be working with our nonprofit partners to support their missions and collaborate on programs that get more people into the outdoors and take care of our local, state and national parks and recreation spaces,” Spaletto said in a press release.
Locally, Public Lands collaborates with the Allegheny Land Trust and Venture Outdoors as well as with national organizations such as the Student Conservation Association and The Conservation Alliance.
Spaletto said the Cranberry store staff has worked hundreds of hours with the local partners on tasks such as cleaning, breaking new trails and restoring extant trails.
Services and shopping
Past the foyer, there is a wide selection of goods from brands both big and small. Turning right leads shoppers to an assortment of tents, lounging equipment and camp cookware, which Rollo said provides the opportunity for all types of shoppers. From small, one-person tents to the bigger family-sized tents, the store hopes to serve those interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail to the family car campers.“We want more people involved because we know the benefits,” Rollo said.But it goes beyond camping. In the footwear section, Public Lands sells a variety of shoes, from hiking boots to Birkenstocks and running shoes. Rollo said something as simple as street running can open up the world of outdoor activities.Public Lands also offers the chance for shoppers to be outfitted with hiking backpacks personalized for them because, Rollo said, everybody's body shape is different, their needs for carrying are different and what they're capable of hauling is different.The store provides rentals of items such as skiing and biking equipment, and offers repairs of that equipment too. Some of its staff members are specialized in fields like climbing and ski boot fitting, which the company calls a “key resource” on getting started.Human connectionRollo said a major way of getting more people interested in and excited about public lands is the connections among shoppers and between customers and staff.“We're all about the connections and talking to people who are just coming in” to experiencing the great outdoors, she said.That's why the store also provides classes on a wide range of subjects.“There's a lot of people that want to try a new activity and they want to do it confidently and safely,” Rollo said.The social aspect of being outside is also a big point within the store, and for good reason, according to Rollo.“When you help them outfit for that, they come back, and they come back with pictures and they come back with stories,” she added.
