The latest retailer along Austin’s 18th Avenue Northwest is gearing up to open late this week.

Hibbett Sports will open its 4,000-square-foot store on Saturday at 1004 18th Ave. NW, Suite D, in the strip mall on the south side of Walmart. The store will be Hibbett’s second in Minnesota.

“It’s exciting,” said Robby Compton, Hibbett’s real estate manager. “We’re excited to put a footprint in Minnesota. We’re just excited to finally get it going.”

The Birmingham, Ala.-based chain sells athletic equipment, footwear, caps and other apparel.

Compton said the Austin store will sell all major footwear brands and items from major brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Reebok and more.

Hibbett has had its sights on Austin for about three years — even before the company opened its first Minnesota store in Winona last year.

Austin is a good fit, with the demographic, population and location Hibbett looks for, according to Compton. Hibbett looks to expand into smaller and mid-size markets where there aren’t large sporting goods chains.

Austin is also close in proximity to Hibbett’s Winona location and eight Iowa locations.

Hibbett shows no signs of slowing down, as Compton previously said the chain is looking to open 85 stores a year. If all goes well in Austin, he said more could follow in Minnesota.

Austin’s Hibbett will employ a manager and about six employees. For more, visit www.hibbett.com.

Store hours are typically 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sundays, but those are subject to change per store.