Dick's Sporting Goods opens on Savannah's southside

National retailer Dick's Sporting Goods unlocked its doors this week at its newest location next to the supersized Kroger Marketplace on Mall Boulevard, joining a burgeoning retail renaissance on the southside.

The 55,000-square-foot store is Dick's 18th in Georgia and 586th nationwide. The chain is known for offering a wide selection of sporting apparel and equipment, from multihued running shoes and brand-name jogging shorts to fishing rods and golf clubs.

Earlier in the week, patrons snacked on cookies and entered to win free gift cards at the soft opening of the Pennsylvania-headquartered chain. Erin Hansen, district community marketing manager, said it was a good time to be in Savannah.

"We've had our eye on Savannah for a while," said Hansen. "We certainly know it's packed full of sports enthusiasts and families that we definitely want to serve."

Jamie Gallegos was one of Dick's first customers, looking for a pair of sliding shorts for herself and golf apparel for her husband.

"We play a lot of sports; we play golf, we play softball, we play basketball, we play everything and Dick's has everything we need," said Gallegos. "It's one-stop shopping."

She said she had a Dick's rewards membership ScoreCard and was happy she wouldn't have to drive from midtown to Bluffton any more to get affordable gear.

Andreia and Daley Brown drove from Richmond Hill for the opening. Daley had picked up a small case of bullets while his wife perused "Life is Good" branded T-shirts.

"They have more variety like Reebok and brand-name items," said Andreia. "More shoes, more running stuff, more kayaking."

Dick's joins Kroger, which opened its 100,000-square-foot marketplace in April, and will soon be joined by chains Chipotle, Visionworks eyeglasses and a Supercuts hair salon in a small outparcel nearby.

Other parts of Abercorn also have seen new retailers and restaurant chains open this year, including Hobby Lobby and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The revitalization of Savannah's main commercial thoroughfare comes after the opening of the final leg of the Truman Parkway in March, making southside more convenient to access.

Hansen said Dick's has plans to be involved with local youthsports as well as Savannah's bigger marathons.

"We started as a little mom-and-pop store - Dick Stack is our founder - so for us to be growing to 586 stores is pretty phenomenal," said Hansen. "But we maintain his values, which are supporting communities in which we operate."

For its three-day grand opening, Hansen said events this weekend will include a softball clinic with professional player Jen Schroeder from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Giveaways will include gift cards from $5 to $500 for the first 100 adults in line, as well as the chance for early birds to open a Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Locker for early birds.

ABOUT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS INC.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Dick's also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream and True Runner specialty stores. For more information, go to the press room at www.dicks.com.