With only one week left in 2024, resolutions of starting on a new fitness journey are expected to kick off and a new retail store for runners, bikers, and swimmers is coming soon to the Grand Central District that will those get a head start.

Playtri, a Dallas-based franchise specializing in supplying bikes and apparel to triathletes, is expanding to St. Pete with a new store at 2132 Central Avenue.

The space was most recently home to Jeeves Law Group, which has relocated 2100 1st Avenue South.

The full-service triathlon store will open next year and carry everything from water polo suits to running accessories, but it will have a keen focus on bikes. Hundreds of road, racing, and mountain bikes will be stacked along the walls and throughout the floor. Stationary, electric, and hybrid bikes will also be available.

“We will not be the go-to shop for renting bikes for the Pinellas Trail. We are sensitive to the community's local bike shops that can supply that. We are targeting a specific niche,” local franchisee Dwayne Sutter said to St. Pete Rising.

“There's a big need for a bike shop like this in St. Pete for the serious competing athletes,” he said.  

Sutter and his wife, Allison, have both competed in Ironman events, which is considered to be one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.

An Ironman is a long-distance triathlon race that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run — all of which contestants must complete within 17 hours. Playtri typically brings its expert in-house mechanics and triathletes to the annual race.

In addition to a huge selection of bikes, the shop will also offer shoes and apparel for cyclists and runners, including recovery sandals, goggles, triathlon suits, and nutritional energy supplements.

Customers can rent Playtri's bikes, wheels, wheel bags, and wetsuits.

Those looking to save money can trade in their old bicycle or wheels for store credit to offset the cost of buying a new bike or accessories.

The triathlon sports shop is expected to open in mid-January 2025.

Playtri was founded in 2000 as a triathlon coaching company. The founders, Ahmed Zaher and Staci Brode, saw the stores, not only as the go-to store to grab the best gear, but as a great place for athletes of all levels to gather in the community.

Today, through franchise expansion and the acquisition of Endurance House Stores, Playtri is the largest chain of multi-sport focused retail stores in the United States with 14 locations in 6 states.

While this will be the first St. Petersburg store; Playtri has other outposts in Sarasota and Fort Walton Beach.

The company offers group coaching and individual training and has year-round co-ed team programs available for ages 6 through 18.

They have also launched the Playtri App, which provides customized triathlon training built around a person's goals, ability level, and schedule.

Be sure to follow Playtri on Instagram and keep an eye on their website for more information on its January opening in St. Pete.