Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Lauren Hobart on Reinventing Outdoor Retail and Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry

Lauren Hobart is leading a ship that is heading in the right direction. Last November, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. announced its long-term succession plan for Ed Stack, who assumed the executive chairman role while remaining chief merchant, effective Feb. 1. Hobart, the company’s president at the time, was unanimously elected CEO by its board of directors, while retaining her president title. Since then, the sporting goods retail giant has unleashed several initiatives to expand its physical footprint, attract more shoppers and inspire consumers — all while reaping the benefits of the athletic and outdoor shopping boom. In Q2, Dick’s posted record sales and earnings, with a 45% increase in revenue compared with the same period in 2019. While other companies have pulled back on brick-and-mortar expansion, Dick’s has launched several successful new concepts, including the experiential House of Sport featuring a turf field, running track, rock-climbing wall, batting cage, putting green and more. It also made a bigger play for the off-price channel with the new Going, Going, Gone! stores. Most recently, Dick’s Sporting Goods opened the first location of its new outdoor banner, dubbed Public Lands. The store, which is located in Cranberry Township, Pa., spans 50,000 square feet and includes a massive

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