Dive Brief:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods will begin construction on an 800,000-square-foot regional distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas, this fall, according to an Aug. 13 press release.
- The retailer expects the facility to open in early 2026 and create more than 300 jobs over the next decade. The new center is expected to be the third-largest in Dick’s network, according to a securities filing.
- The distribution center add to the company’s current network of five facilities across Georgia, New York, Arizona, Indiana and Pennsylvania.
Dive Insight:
Dick's plans to utilize the new distribution center to support its Texas operations and distribute products to more than 100 stores across several states, particularly as it continues to emphasize omnichannel capabilities.
"This facility will support the rapid growth of our business, including in the state of Texas, and enable more efficient and effective flow of product to athletes whether they shop in-store or online,” Sean Whitehouse, SVP of supply chain at Dick’s, said in the release.
The retailer has reported surging net sales in recent quarters, including a 6.2% year-over-year boost in Q1 2024. Backed by the strong performance, in its Q4 2023 earnings call, the company signaled its plans to increase capital investments to open new stores, update existing locations and enhance its supply chain.
After announcing its largest square footage expansion since 2017 earlier this year, the retailer opened two of its experiential House of Sport stores and two next-generation 50K locations in Q1. It plans to open six more House of Sport stores and 14 additional next-generation locations this year.
“This one-two punch of House of Sport and our next-generation 50K format combined with the elevated omnichannel experience our teammates are bringing to life throughout our entire portfolio is the future of Dick's,” said President and CEO Lauren Hobart on a Q1 earnings call.
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