—the spinoff retail brand of Dick’s Sporting Goods that focuses on outdoor recreation equipment—is opening four new stores, bringing its total to seven locations. The brand was founded just a year ago, in September 2021.
The new storefronts will open in Framingham, Massachusetts, on October 14; Melville, New York, on October 21; Kennesaw, Georgia, on October 28; and Medford, Oregon, on November 4.
The fresh locations join Public Lands’ three existing locations in Columbus, Ohio; Charlottesville, Virgina; and the original flagship store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The question on retail experts’ minds: could the upstart chain eventually edge in on the market dominance REI has enjoyed in the big-box outdoor world for many years? It’s too soon to tell, but it doesn’t hurt that Public Lands’ parent company has enjoyed a blockbuster year. Dick’s Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) recently reported net sales of $3.1 billion for the second quarter of 2022, a 38-percent increase from the second quarter of 2019.
Timed with the store openings, Public Lands also announced it will double its to conservation causes—from 1 percent of sales to 2 percent—from September 18 to September 25. Those dates are meant to correspond to National Public Lands Day on September 24. In 2021, the company donated more than $500,000 to local and national conservation groups.
“When we first opened Public Lands, we set out to make a difference not just for our national public lands but also for our local communities and organizations supporting outdoor recreation for all,” said Public Lands president Todd Spaletto. “We’re thrilled to be able to double our giveback in honor of National Public Lands Day to support the work of these organizations.”
In addition to Public Lands, Dick’s Sporting Goods also owns Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, and , a youth sports team scheduling app.