BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A longstanding, family-run business is making moves in the Lehigh Valley.
Amateur Athlete, a popular retailer selling skateboards, longboards, casual wear, swimwear, shoes and accessories like sunglasses, is planning to move within the next few months from 2110 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem to 608 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, owner Joseph Yoo told 69 News this week.
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
The business, established in 1982, will vacate its current brick-and-mortar space in the Lehigh Shopping Center by the end of April before reopening at its new location on East Third Street in early summer, Yoo said.
An exact reopening date has not yet been determined, but Yoo expects the store will begin operations at its new spot – located on the ground floor of the Six 10 Flats building – in late June or early July.
The Amateur Athlete team has already started to pack up some merchandise at its Lehigh Shopping Center location as it prepares for the transition, but customers can still browse items and take advantage of a moving sale – 30% off footwear and 40% off apparel – through at least this week, Yoo said.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, and customers should monitor the business’ social media pages for the latest store updates, Yoo said.
“We told our followers online that this past Saturday was the last day to shop at our current store, but we’ll be here through the end of the week packing things up and starting to move,” Yoo said.
“So, if anyone wants to stop in and browse, they’re more than welcome! Our selection will be a little limited, and the store might be a little bit of a mess, but we’ll still be here. And our online store is always available for people to shop.”
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Amateur Athlete’s upcoming relocation will be the business’ second move in three years.
In 2023, the store moved to the Lehigh Shopping Center from its home of more than 35 years at the Westgate Mall on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.
Amateur Athlete and a few other former Westgate tenants were forced out amid the mall’s redevelopment.
Amateur Athlete’s latest move was primarily prompted by rising rent at the Lehigh Shopping Center, Yoo said.
The business’ new location will operate near Insomnia Cookies on the ground floor of Six 10 Flats, a five-story, mixed-use development – featuring more than 70 luxury apartments – on East Third Street between Buchanan and Pierce streets in south Bethlehem.
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem to the ground floor of the Six 10 Flats building on East Third Street in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
It will occupy a roughly 2,600-square-foot space, slightly smaller than its current space, Yoo said.
Yoo operates Amateur Athlete with his son, Colin Yoo, and the pair is excited to join south Bethlehem’s vibrant community.
The store’s new location will operate near Bethlehem Skateplaza, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, multiple restaurants and educational institutions such as Lehigh University, Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center and Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts.
“We’re very excited for this move,” Joseph said.
“Since we left Westgate, our business has changed in the fact that we do more business online than we do in the store. But I think that’s going to change once we get to our new spot because Lehigh University will be in our backyard, Northampton Community College’s satellite campus will be across the street and so on. There’s also a big skate community there. So, we’ll be close to a lot of younger folks in a more vibrant area that’s seeing a lot of development.”
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Amateur Athlete got its start in 1982 in downtown Bethlehem near the former Boyd Theater, according to a historical account on the business’ website.
A few years later, it moved to a larger space at the Westgate Mall.
The business’ high-quality products and top-notch customer service continue to attract locals as well as skaters from nearby areas such as Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre, Joseph said.
“Throughout all these changes, however, one thing remained constant: the commitment of Amateur Athlete’s owners and staff to stay true to their core values and lifestyle ethos no matter what trends or styles were popular at any given moment,” the online message continues.
“This dedication has seen Amateur Athlete grow over the years despite any challenges they may face along the way; they remain determined that their customers should always have access to whatever gear they need with knowledge and service that can’t be beat!”
Amateur Athlete offers a wide array of skateboards, longboards and skateboard decks and wheels and accessories.
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Customers also can browse an assortment of footwear and apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, jackets, pants and shorts.
The store also carries fashion accessories such as belts, hats and sunglasses.
Online sales will continue during the business’ transition.
For the latest Amateur Athlete updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: 610-866-0114.