DICK'S House of Sport to Replace Franklin JCPenney
The former department store space at CoolSprings Galleria will house a new immersive athletic retailer by 2028.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Retail
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JCPenney has closed its location at the CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin. The massive retail space is slated to be replaced by a new DICK'S House of Sport facility.
Why it matters
CBL Properties is strategically updating its retail lineup to incorporate interactive experiences designed to drive increased foot traffic to the mall. This shift marks a broader effort to modernize the shopping destination by transitioning from legacy department stores to activity-focused tenants.
The new DICK'S House of Sport will occupy a space exceeding 100,000 square feet. Additionally, Greystar has acquired land at the mall to construct a 361-unit residential development.
The players
DICK'S House of Sport
This is an experiential retail concept featuring athletic gear and active recreational amenities.
CBL Properties
This real estate investment trust owns and manages shopping malls across the United States.
Greystar
This company is a global leader in the investment, development, and management of high-quality rental housing.
The details
The upcoming athletic facility will feature a climbing wall, multi-sport cages, and golf simulators to create an immersive environment. Construction on the site will commence following the recent closure of the JCPenney store.
Timeline
July 2026: L.L.Bean opened its store at CoolSprings Galleria.
October 27, 2026: The closure of the JCPenney store was reported.
Early 2028: The projected opening date for the new DICK'S House of Sport.
Market Landscape
The redevelopment of the CoolSprings Galleria follows a pattern set by the retail industry transition from traditional department store anchors to experiential centers. This shift positions the mall to compete more effectively by prioritizing engagement-based destinations over traditional retail footprints.
Shoppers can expect a transition from traditional clothing sales to a more interactive retail experience featuring sport-specific training equipment. Local visitors will see the property evolve as the new athletic store and residential developments begin construction.
The takeaway
The move from traditional retail to experiential sports complexes highlights how shopping malls are adapting to remain relevant in a changing market. Consumers looking for specialized athletic equipment or recreational activities should anticipate a significantly different shopping environment once construction concludes.
Further reading
Learn more about the local Retail trends in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Williamson Source.
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Do you prefer replacing traditional department stores with interactive, experiential retail centers in your area?
