Dick’s Sporting Goods to open in Independence Center

Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the nation’s largest full-line sporting goods retailers, has confirmed plans to open in Independence Center in early 2016.

Angela Pyszczynski, general manager of Independence Center, said in a statement: “Dick’s Sporting Goods is an ideal addition to our family-friendly retail mix at Independence Center, which will have great appeal to our shopper base that includes many sports enthusiasts.”

Previously Howard Riefs, spokesman for Sears, said the company “recently worked with the Independence Center developer to streamline the size of our Sears store to better meet our needs in serving our members and customers - and their desire to bring Dick's Sporting Goods to the mall.”

Along with that former Sears space on the lower level, Dick’s also will take the former Zumiez space. Zumiez relocated in the shopping center at 18801 E. 39th St.

Dick’s currently has an Independence location in Bolger Square, 17730 E. 39th St., less than a mile west of Independence Center. The company declined to comment on that location.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Dick’s Sporting Goods to open in Independence Center."