NILES, Ohio – Dick’s Sporting Goods opened Friday in a new location at Eastwood Mall with 20,000 more square footage and additional features.
“We now have a multisport HitTrax that does baseball, soccer, lacrosse,” manager Steve Slanina said.
It also offers a golf hitting bay with Trackman technology. The closest similar simulator is about 45 miles away, Slanina said. And the store features a premium full service footwear deck equipped with emerging brands, Slanina added.
Store employees cut the ribbon Friday to open the 72,000-square-foot store, which is next to Dave & Buster’s. Shoppers were lined up outside the store waiting to get in and get a chance to win gift cards and take advantage of other giveaways.
“We have a variety of new products in our teen sports area, so we welcome you,” Jim Famulara, Dick’s community marketing manager, said to the waiting shoppers. “We hope you enjoy your first time here in our new store, and we hope you come back and see us again.”
The grand opening celebration will continue through Sunday when Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns cornerback, will sign autographs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Only 250 wristbands will be distributed for the autograph signing beginning at 10 a.m. when the store opens, and the distribution will be first come, first served.
Wristbands are required to attend the appearance and receive an autograph, and a news release from the store said times are subject to change.
Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Dick’s moved to the larger space from the Great East Plaza where it had been for 24 years.
“There’s just so much that is new for this building in this area, and it’s great for the Niles community,” Slanina said.
Pictured at top: Assistant manager John McMullen and manager Steve Slanina of Dick’s Sporting Goods in Niles, along with Chase Vandine, Dick’s district manager, at the store’s grand opening.