The old Sears property at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco is set for a fresh start with a new concept from Dick’s Sporting Goods. The company plans to open a Dick’s House of Sport, which will feature “experiences” such as climbing walls at the site that includes the former Sears property. No additional details were disclosed.
The Sears site at Stonebriar has been vacant for more than half a decade, despite bringing in new shop brands. Sears, which began as a mail-order catalog in the 1880s, faced challenges due to the rise of e-commerce and filed for bankruptcy in 2018.
Dick’s, which already has a traditional store at Stonebriar, acquired the property around the end of last year, according to a government document. The new addition at the mall adds to the growing trend of shopping centers seeking to attract visitors with experiential features that rethink traditional retail and dining. Stonebriar already includes KidZania, where children can engage with various professions such as being a pilot or medical worker. Further south at Galleria Dallas, the mall is set to get a “Netflix House” that leverages the streamer’s titles to create immersive options for fans.
In another area of North Texas, Dick’s is investing in the House of Sport at a former Sears store at the Parks Malls in Arlington, according to a post by Susan Schrock, office of communications, at the city.
The House of Sport, in addition to climbing walls, often features bays with golf-course simulators and cages that can be used for baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. They also seek connections with local communities through partnerships and events.
“The Texas market is an exciting growth opportunity for us, and one of the areas where we are investing in new House of Sport locations, in marketing and in our infrastructure to enhance the omnichannel experience for our athletes and capture this potential,” Lauren Hobart, CEO of Dick’s, said during the company’s quarterly conference call in November, according to a transcript version posted on the company’s website.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is also building a new regional distribution center in Texas that it plans to open in 2026. In 2025, Dick’s, which already has some House of Sport locations, expects to open about 15, and it remains on track to have around 75 to 100 locations opened by 2027, Hobart said on the call in November.
“House of Sport continues to be an incredibly impactful part of our long-term strategy,” Hobart said. “… The experience is delighting athletes. We’re seeing athletes drive longer distances. They’re spending more time when they come. The community is just absolutely embracing the House of Sport.”
Q: What is Dick’s House of Sport?
A: Dick’s House of Sport is an experiential retail concept that features activities such as climbing walls, golf-course simulators, and sports fields.
Q: What is the background of the site at Stonebriar Centre?
A: The site at Stonebriar Centre was previously occupied by Sears, which filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and has since been vacant.
Q: What is the investment of Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Texas market?
A: Dick’s Sporting Goods is investing in new House of Sport locations in Texas, including a former Sears store at the Parks Malls in Arlington, and plans to open a new regional distribution center in Texas in 2026.
Q: What are the plans for the House of Sport concept?
A: The House of Sport concept is expected to open around 15 new locations in 2025 and reach around 75 to 100 locations by 2027, with a focus on creating immersive experiences for athletes and connecting with local communities.
