There’s more room for growth in the outdoors for Dick’s Sporting Goods. Last week, Dick’s announced it has agreed to acquire outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart. The move expands Dick’s outdoor portfolio, which also includes the outdoor retail concept Public Lands that Dick’s launched in 2021. Public Lands currently has seven brick-and-mortar locations and an online business.

Moosejaw, founded in Michigan in 1992, had established itself as a leading specialty outdoor retailer well before its acquisition by Walmart for $51 million in 2017. Moosejaw operates 13 brick-and-mortar locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri, but its strength was as an online business under Walmart’s ownership. 

Dick’s is likely to see digital benefits from the acquisition thanks to Moosejaw’s successful e-commerce platform and its established customer base. Terms of the acquisition, which is expected to close in March, were not disclosed. Moosejaw CEO Eoin Comerford, who has been with the retailer for 14-plus years, will continue in his role and will report to Todd Spaletto, President, Public Lands and SVP, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Moosejaw carries products across a wide range of outdoor categories, from equipment and accessories to apparel and footwear. It also has a rental and resale business. Top footwear brands at Moosejaw include Chaco, Keen, La Sportiva, Merrell, Salomon and Sorel.

"We believe there's potential to grow the Moosejaw business and provide compelling experiences and an expanded product assortment to its millions of loyal customers," stated Spaletto.