Excitement is building for the upcoming arrival of a new Dick's Sporting Goods store at The Waterworks, located near Aspinwall. Scheduled to open this summer, this retail giant will occupy the former Walmart space within the shopping center. This development raises questions about the future of the existing Dick’s location at Pittsburgh Mills mall, just nine miles away. Company representatives have not provided specific information regarding the Frazer store but confirmed that The Waterworks location will feature a traditional layout rather than the larger House of Sport concept. Construction has already begun, with crews preparing the site for renovations. The new store aims to enhance the shopping experience and join other major retailers at The Waterworks.

A New Era for The Waterworks Shopping Center

The opening of the new Dick's Sporting Goods marks a significant transformation for The Waterworks shopping center. The store will take over the expansive space previously occupied by Walmart, which closed in 2022 due to underperforming sales after nearly two decades of operation. This strategic move by Dick's promises to breathe new life into the plaza, one of the largest retail spaces at The Waterworks. The addition of Dick's will complement the presence of other anchor stores like Giant Eagle, T.J. Maxx, and Dunham’s Sports, further enhancing the shopping center's appeal to visitors.

With the renovation underway, construction teams have already secured parts of the parking lot to facilitate the transition. The new Dick's Sporting Goods will span 50,000 square feet, offering a traditional floor plan designed to provide customers with a familiar and comfortable shopping environment. Unlike the more extensive House of Sport locations, which feature advanced amenities such as rock climbing walls, batting cages, and digital golf ranges, this store will focus on delivering a wide range of sporting goods and equipment. The decision to adopt a traditional layout underscores Dick's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of local shoppers while maintaining its brand identity.

Implications for Nearby Retail Locations

The imminent opening of the new Dick's Sporting Goods at The Waterworks raises important questions about the impact on nearby retail establishments. Particularly, the fate of the existing Dick’s store at Pittsburgh Mills mall remains uncertain. Located only nine miles away, the proximity of these two stores may lead to speculation about potential changes or closures. However, Dick’s officials have yet to provide any official statements regarding the Frazer store’s future. This uncertainty highlights the dynamic nature of retail landscapes and the challenges faced by companies when expanding in close proximity to existing locations.

Despite the lack of concrete information, the new store's introduction signals Dick’s intention to cater to different market segments. The Waterworks location, with its traditional setup, offers a contrast to the larger, more experiential House of Sport stores. This strategic diversification allows Dick’s to target a broader customer base, from casual shoppers to serious athletes. The choice of a traditional format also suggests a focus on efficiency and accessibility, ensuring that customers can easily find what they need. As renovations progress, the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of this new retail destination, which promises to revitalize the shopping center and offer enhanced services to local residents.