A small sign hanging at the La Grande Town Center has caused a big reaction among passers-by. The sign indicates that Big 5 Sporting Goods, a retail recreational business, will be coming to La Grande.

That’s all that anyone knows right now, though.

City of La Grande Community and Economic Development Director Christine Jarski confirmed the retail store is working on building permits but can’t say much more than that.

“We’re going to be really excited to (complete) this project here,” Jarski said. “When looking at La Grande’s leakage/surplus analysis, sporting goods is one of the retail store types that La Grande has a very strong draw for non-local shoppers.”

Jarski said the information indicates the market supports recreational retail and the market has an appeal from outside the trade area.

City Planner Mike Boquist and City Manager Robert Strope could not be reached for comment.

The sign went up Tuesday morning, according to many of Big 5’s future neighbors. Owners and employees at Capelli Hair Salon, La Grande Gold and Silver and Ace Hardware, which are all housed in the same shopping center, said they had no idea what was happening with the new store.

See complete story in Wednesday’s Observer