D
ick's Sporting Goods is transforming the 120,000-square-foot former Sears store at Parks Mall in Arlington into House of Sport, a concept that combines retail with simulated sports and workout classes. The buildout, valued at $660,000, is set to begin in December and wrap up by April. This will be the retailer's 21st House of Sport location across 14 states.

    The company plans to open between 75 and 100 such locations by 2027, with a growth strategy that includes developing an 800,000-square-foot distribution center under construction in south Fort Worth. House of Sport features batting cages, golf simulators, rock-climbing walls, and hosts workout classes.

    Dick's Sporting Goods recorded sales exceeding $12.9 billion last year, led by president and CEO Lauren Hobart. The demand for retail space is high nationally, with Dallas-Fort Worth experiencing 15 straight quarters of positive net absorption. Asking rents have reached record highs in the area, climbing to $20.65 per square foot in the second quarter.

    This growth comes as Japanese fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo made its Texas debut at Parks Mall and plans to expand across the state with new stores in Dallas, Frisco, and Houston.