Core Concept - The House of Sport is a new retail concept developed by Dick's Sporting Goods, designed to be a large, innovative store that differentiates itself from competitors and meets future retail demands [1][2][3] Development and Strategy - The concept was initiated about nine years ago, with a focus on creating a store that could potentially drive competitors out of business if they attempted to replicate it [2] - The first House of Sport opened in Rochester, New York, and the company plans to expand to 35 locations by the end of the year and 75 to 100 by the end of 2028 [3][4] - Most locations are repurposed old department stores, such as former Sears buildings, which are renovated to attract mall traffic and improve leasing in underperforming areas [5][6][7] Store Features - House of Sport stores typically range from 120,000 to 150,000 square feet, significantly larger than traditional Dick's stores, which average around 50,000 square feet [8] - Each store includes unique features such as climbing walls, practice fields, and specialized areas for various sports, enhancing the customer experience [9][10] Product Offering - The House of Sport offers a broader selection of brands and products, including exclusive brands like Gym Shark, which are not typically found in standard Dick's stores [11][12] - The strategy focuses on providing innovative and high-quality products to meet the demands of consumers, particularly in youth sports [21][22] Financial Performance - A traditional House of Sport store generates over $35 million in sales with an EBITDA margin of approximately 20%, indicating high productivity and profitability [17] - The company believes it can successfully open more locations in smaller markets than initially anticipated, expanding its reach [17] Acquisition and Future Outlook - The recent acquisition of Foot Locker is seen as a strategic move to enhance the footwear business, despite initial negative reactions from the market [18][19][20] - The company emphasizes long-term investment strategies, focusing on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains [20]