Submitted graphic This rendering shows where DICK’S Sporting Goods will relocate at the Eastwood Mall.

Staff report

NILES — The Eastwood Mall is expanding its retail lineup with what it calls a larger, next-generation DICK’S Sporting Goods store as a new anchor tenant, according to a press release from mall.

Construction on the 72,000-square-foot facility has begun, relocating the retailer from its current 52,000-square-foot location in the adjacent Great East Plaza, where it has operated since 2004, the release said.

The existing DICK’S store will remain open until the new one is ready, with a grand opening celebration anticipated in summer 2026, according to the release.

The release says the upgrade will provide an enhanced shopping experience for athletes in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and is set to feature a wider array of top-tier apparel, footwear, gear and more.

“Moving and expanding DICK’S Sporting Goods to a premium anchor position within the mall is expected to drive significant traffic, benefit all of our tenants, and further solidify Eastwood Mall Complex as the region’s premier one-stop destination to shop, dine, stay and play,” Johnny Chechitelli, Cafaro’s regional director of marketing and communications, said in the release.

The new store will reimagine the traditional layout with specialized sections for team sports including baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse and hockey, according to the announcement. Other features include a “House of Cleats” offering a 360-degree view of more than 400 options across multiple sports, an expanded premium footwear assortment and golf hitting bays equipped with Trackman technology.