The Westmoreland Mall in western Pennsylvania is set to welcome a new Dick's House of Sport, poised to fill the space left by Sears. As reported by WTAE, this decision rides the wave of repurposing vacant mall spaces to adapt to evolving retail landscapes.
Although details such as the opening date and specific store features remain unannounced, the Westmoreland location is part of a broader rollout plan, with Dick’s Sporting Goods planning to open 15 House of Sports venues across the nation in 2025. This move closely follows the opening of the first Dick's House of Sport in the Pittsburgh area at Ross Park Mall – a store complete with a climbing wall, demo cage, putting green, turf field, and running track.
In a related piece from TribLIVE, Stephanie Cegielski, vice president of research and public relations for the International Council of Shopping Centers, was quoted emphasizing the need for retail innovation. "Changing consumer habits continue to drive the need for malls and retailers to offer newness and innovation," she said. Cegielski highlighted that smaller stores can adapt more swiftly and with less expense than larger stores.
Furthermore, the concept dovetails with an ongoing strategy of malls, where they morph to stay relevant amid the downturn of established retailers like Sears. Malls increasingly lease spaces to diverse business types to increase foot traffic and consumer retention. As Cegielski points out, per TribLive, "We continue to see demand from consumers for convenient services like wellness, health care, and child care, as well as entertainment options like arcades and food-and-beverage offerings that offer them the opportunity to spend time together with friends and family."
However, opinions on the efficacy of these repurposing strategies vary. Mark Cohen, retired director of retail studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, expressed some skepticism in an interview with TribLIVE, questioning whether new attractions like sports facilities would bolster retail sales. "That’s providing the mall owner with rent, but I don’t know if it’s driving traffic for the (retail) survivors in the mall... It’s a hit-or-miss process. It’s very difficult to foretell," Cohen stated.
Despite the uncertain impact on retail foot traffic, the allure of the House of Sport concept remains strong. It is billed as a one-stop destination for athletes, offering a variety of sporting activities within a retail environment. If the success of the Ross Park Mall location is an indicator, the House of Sport at Westmoreland Mall could tap into a demographic eager for new and interactive shopping experiences.
