Sports retail shop to open in Upper Valley Pike Plaza

SPRINGFIELD — A large sports retail store chain signed a lease with a Columbus-based realtor to open a location in Upper Valley Pike Plaza.

Gilbert Group announced Friday that Dunham’s Sports, a large Midwest store chain, will open a more than 60,000 square foot store in the plaza area near Ollie’s and JoAnn Fabrics. Neither Gilbert Group or Dunham’s Sports officials returned calls, but according to a press release, the store has not yet announced an opening date.

“The addition of Dunham’s will give our residents just one more reason to ‘Buy Springfield’ and keep their shopping dollars working in the community where they work, live and play,” said Mike McDorman, president of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in a statement.

Dunham’s will join three new retail additions to the city. Hibachi Grill and Sushi Buffet opened in July on Bechtle Avenue, Beacon of Hope Gifts, Books and Espresso Bar will open on Bechtle Avenue in September, and Encore Shoes opened in Upper Valley Mall in July.

“The west edge corridor is creating a solid brand identity as a shopping/dining destination,” McDorman said.