Dick's Sporting Goods

Beachwood, Ohio -- Blackstone's flagship real estate fund and DDR Corp. announced Thursday hat a joint venture formed by the two entities has closed on the acquisition of a portfolio of 46 shopping centers previously owned by EPN Group.

The joint venture has assumed approximately $635 million of senior non-recourse debt and has originated an additional $320 million non-recourse loan facility, which has a five-year term.

Richmond, Va. -- Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL & Associates Properties said Thursday that Dick’s Sporting Goods will open a new store at Southpark Mall in Richmond, Va.

The existing Dillard’s location will be redeveloped into the new 56,000-sq.-ft. Dick’s store as well as a selection of specialty stores and restaurants. Construction is scheduled to begin in October with a grand opening slated for summer 2013.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods said Thursday that it will debut a specialty running store, True Runner, with the first location opening in the retailer’s home city of Pittsburgh.

The high-service concept will cater to running enthusiasts with footwear, apparel and accessories, and is slated to open in summer 2012.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods has raised its full year and second quarter outlooks after reporting substantial growth in sales and earnings for the first quarter. The company reported that net income for the quarter was $57.2 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, exceeding the company's earnings expectations provided on March 6 of 36 cents to 38 cents per diluted share. For the first quarter ended April 30, 2011, the company reported consolidated net income of $37.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 surged 53% to $57.2 million, compared with $37.5 million for the year-ago period. The sporting goods retailer raised its earnings outlook for the year.

“For 2012, we are raising our full year guidance as we continue to invest in new stores and our e-commerce business, as well as our margin accelerators including inventory management, private brands, and product mix shift,” said Edward W. Stack, CEO.

Westlake Village, Calif. -- Academy Sports + Outdoors ranks highest in customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Sporting Goods Retailer Satisfaction Report. The inaugural report measures the overall sporting goods retailer customer satisfaction experience by examining five key factors: staff, cost, facility, merchandise and sales/promotions.

Bethesda, Md. -- Sax Realty said that Joe’s Crab Shack will open in the Hunt Valley Towne Centre, north of Interstate 695, in Bethesda, Md.

The center is anchored by Wegman's, Burlington Coat Factory, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, DSW and Regal Theatres. This will be the fourth new Joe's to open in Maryland, joining restaurants in Greenbelt, Bel Air and Arundel Mills which opens summer 2012.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods is looking into opportunities beyond the United States and has agreed to make a 20 million pounds Sterling strategic investment in JJB Sports plc, a leading U.K. sports retailer.