Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading retailer of sporting goods and outdoor equipment in the United States. The company was founded in 1948 by Richard "Dick" Stack and is headquartered in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Initially, the company operated as a bait and tackle shop, but it has since expanded to offer a wide range of products, including athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment for team sports, camping, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Dick's Sporting Goods operates more than 720 stores across the United States and employs over 40,000 people. The company also operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream stores, which specialize in golf equipment and outdoor recreation, respectively. In addition to its retail stores, Dick's Sporting Goods has an e-commerce website that allows customers to purchase products online and have them shipped directly to their homes.
The company is committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and it has made significant investments in youth sports programs and initiatives. For example, it launched its "Sports Matter" campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the importance of youth sports and provide funding for underfunded programs. To date, the campaign has raised over $100 million and helped more than 1 million young athletes.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dick's Sporting Goods has seen strong sales growth in recent years. In its most recent quarterly report, the company reported net sales of $3.3 billion, a 19% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth has been driven in part by increased demand for outdoor and athletic equipment as consumers look for ways to stay active while social distancing.
Looking to the future, Dick's Sporting Goods plans to continue expanding its e-commerce presence and investing in new technologies to enhance the customer experience. The company is also exploring new markets, including potential international expansion.