As the biggest retail sporting goods company in the United States, Dick’s Sporting Goods aims to be the best specialty retailer in its class. With enormous, big-box superstores, Dick’s product lines include wearable items such as shoes, gym wear, and outwear, as well as equipment for sports such as kayaking, baseball, cycling, climbing, exercise, and more. The stores supply big brand names to their customers, including Nike, The North Face, Adidas, Asics, Patagonia, and more.
Founded by Richard “Dick” Stack in 1948 in Binghamton, New York, Dick’s Sporting Goods started out as a Bait and Tackle shop. After ten years, product lines were increased to clothing and sporting goods. When the shop was passed down to Dick’s son, Edward, plans were made to expand into a superstore. By the mid-’90s, the company relocated to Pittsburgh and 50 stores. In 2001, the company had 130 stores, exceeded $1 billion in sales, and soon after became a publicly-traded company. By 2021, it had more than 800 stores.
