Runnings is set to open late this week or early next week, but company leaders are keeping mum on an exact day.

“We’re working hard,” said Director of Marketing Dennis Jensen. “Everything seems to be shaping up very nicely.”

Runnings, a Marshall-based home improvement chain, is set for a soft open at its new Austin store in the former Kmart location, 1400 18th Ave. NW. A formal announcement and grand opening will follow later.

Employees have been working to stock the store and get ready for the opening for several weeks.

Austin’s Runnings will be one of 14 of the company’s 34 locations in the Upper Midwest to feature an expanded sporting goods department, which will include firearms and other hunting and archery supplies.

Along with sporting goods, the store will sell clothing, farm tools, pet supplies, lawn and garden items, housewares, toys and more.

Runnings hired Everett Hackensmith — the former Kmart manager — as store manager. Jensen confirmed the store still plans to hire about 50 employees, but the hiring process is not complete.

Like all Runnings, Austin’s location will be open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to Jensen.

With stores in Red Wing, Windom, Marshall and Worthington, Jensen said company officials saw Austin as a good fit. Runnings purchased the building in September 2012 for $3 million.

In July 2012, Sioux City-based Bomgaars expressed interest in buying or leasing the building. The Port Authority considered the retailer’s request for a $150,000 loan until Runnings stepped in and bought the building without a subsidy from the city. The building has been empty since Kmart closed in May 2010.