By Gia Vang

EUGENE, Ore. -- The new sports store in town, formerlly occupied by Joe's Sports and Outdoor Store, held its grand opening Sunday.

Many said Dick's Sporting Goods is filling a void left when Joe's filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

Store manager Walt Harms said Dick's has some noticeable changes from Joe's.  He said they have added a golf shop, there is more emphasis on team sports and its apparel section is a lot bigger than Joe's customers might be used to.

Among all the changes though, Harms said there are some familiar faces.

Harms said almost half of their current employees were formally employed by Joe's.

"It's a good mixture of Dick's coming in with a different mix of merchandise and employees that have worked here in the past," he said.

Meantime customers couldn't help but compare the two stores.

James Alias said, "From what I observe, customer service is a lot better than Joe's."

Another customer Gary Lutman said, "It looks a little bit more upscale than Joe's was but by the same ticken, it looks comprable."

The grand opening had meet-and-greets with local hunting and fishing professionals, giveaways and help from young athletes in the area.

Dick's Sporting Goods is based in Pennsylvania and has more than 400 stores nationwide.  The Eugene store is one of many opening in Oregon.