Dick’s Sporting Goods Eyes Former Carson’s At Chicago Ridge Mall

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — The Chicago Ridge Board of Trustees approved a resolution during their board meeting on Tuesday to hold a public hearing that may pave the way for Dick’s Sporting Goods to move into part of the old Carson’s space at Chicago Ridge Mall.

Plans call for a 50,000-square-foot sporting goods store to take over part of the former Carson's, which closed in 2018. Before the deal can be sealed, trustees need to approve an ordinance that will form a business district according to an agreement the village board has with Starwood Retail Partners to redevelop the mall. Such an agreement will allow the village to charge a .5 percent sales tax on all purchases made at the mall to go toward its redevelopment.

The Pittsburgh-based big box sporting goods retailer operates about 800 stores across the country. Dick’s offers an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The chain claims to be a leading omnichannel retailer in sporting goods, combining brick and mortar with online purchasing.

Starwood Retail Partners, based in Chicago, is the fifth largest regional mall manager in the United States. A division of Starwood Capital Group, the retail partners specialize in reinventing malls by transforming them into lifestyle centers, adding new uses and amenities including shopping, entertainment and dining. The firm currently manages 27 malls and lifestyle centers throughout the United States.

Current anchor tenants at Chicago Ridge Mall are Kohl’s, Sears, Aldi, Bed Bath and Beyond and AMC Chicago Ridge 6, along with such other key tenants as H&M, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, PINK, Akira, Forever 21, Buffalo Wild Wings, Miller's Ale House Restaurant and Red Robin.

“[Dick’s] has been looking in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge for years,” village attorney Mike Stillman said, “and we got 'em. It’s hard to fill boxes, and we’re lucky to put a Dick’s there.”

Chicago Ridge village trustees expect to finalize the details following the public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 7. The sporting goods change plans to do a complete build-out, with a projected opening date of August 2021.

Another retailer will share the former Carson’s space. Stillman hinted at other major developments in the works at Chicago Ridge Mall to be announced in the near future.

This is a developing story. More information will be added when it becomes available.