Publix, Dick's Sporting Goods to open first stores in Cullman

A mock-up of the shopping center that will be anchored by Publix.

CULLMAN, Alabama - A Birmingham real estate firm broke ground Thursday on a shopping center expansion that will bring a Publix and Dick's Sporting Goods to Cullman.

Merchants Retail Partners is renovating and expanding the Cullman Shopping Center, which will be 325,000 square feet when it's completed.

When open, the three stores will be the first in Cullman. The shopping center currently houses a Belk, Books-A-Million and Shoe Dept.

The Dick's store will be a custom-designed prototype store, the first of its kind in Alabama.

"As we were planning the renovation and expansion of Cullman Shopping Center, our goal was to reflect the essence of this thriving city and enhance the shopping experience for the community," MRP Development Partner Tim Gully said in a press release. "Considering the addition of best-in-class stores like Publix, PetSmart and Dick's, I feel we're well on our way to achieving that goal."

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