Kiwi Sports, an ecommerce retailer, is establishing an order fulfillment and logistics hub in the warehouse building at 2202 Parker Avenue in South Boston, the one-time home of Lindstrand Technologies near South Boston Elementary School.

Maryland-based Kiwi Sports is an online seller of automotive parts and accessories — both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts — and it also sells sports apparel and equipment, including for winter sports enthusiasts. Kiwi maintains third-party stores on Amazon and eBay, with 2,500 followers and 114,000 items sold on the latter ecommerce platform.

The expansion into South Boston has been planned for about a year, according to a company representative, and the upfit at 2202 Parker Avenue building has been modest thus far — mostly lighting and electrical upgrades. But the representative, who gave his name only as Chris, said Kiwi Sports plans to scale up operations in South Boston in coming months.

“Our experience with the local community has been wonderful. The support we received from local businesses and government has made our transition not only smooth but also enjoyable,” said Chris, who said he is one of the owners of Kiwi Sports. “We are excited about the opportunities that this new warehouse space brings and are confident that it will serve as a strong foundation for our continued growth and success.”

Only a handful of employees have been hired at the facility, but Kiwi Sports plans to add more workers there, he said.

Kristy Johnson, Halifax Industrial Authority executive director, hailed Kiwi Sports’ arrival in the area. “The decision of Kiwi Sports to locate in the Town of South Boston is a win for both the Town and Halifax County. The decision will create investment and jobs in a previously underutilized facility,” said Johnson.

Kiwi Sports moved into the building only recently and started operations there in the last month or so, according to Chris, who added that planning and preparation for the venture has been in the works since May of last year. There is no set timetable for when the fulfillment and logistics center will be complete.

The building has most recently served as a warehousing facility for Integrated Textile Solutions, based in Salem. Built in 1995, it was originally the home of Lindstrand Technologies, a maker of airships, gas balloons, passenger-carrying tethered aerostats, and inflatable buildings.

Regardless of the scale of Kiwi Sports’ operation, Johnson said having the company in South Boston is a positive.

“Any and all growth in our community helps to support our residents through jobs and an increase in our tax base. No matter the size of the announcement, they should all be celebrated. We welcome Kiwi Sports to our community,” she said.

From SoVANow