Ditching candy won't likely thin out Sports Authority sales

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.— Citing a growing obesity epidemic in the United States, Sports Authority announced that it will no longer sell candy at its 465 stores.

Though it may lose some of the impulse sales generated by offering tempting items near checkout, Sports Authority is hardly a destination for junk food lovers, and that space might be better suited for products geared more toward the retailer's customer base.

The company said it will still offer a variety ofnutritious snacks and beverages from such brands as PowerBar, Clif/Luna, Myoplex, Honey Stingers, Muscle Milk, Nature Valley, Nuun and GU which will consist of an assortment of gels, chews, bars, powders, shakes and electrolyte drink products.

“This is just one of many initiatives we have underway to attack obesity, especially in our youth,” said Jeff Schumacher, chief marketing officer of Sports Authority. “At Sports Authority, we believe in all things sporting good, and are committed to the overall health and well-being of our customers.”