Does Dick’s Sporting Goods Own Field & Stream Stores

Dick’s Sporting Goods does own the Field & Stream brand, but not all Field & Stream stores operate as standalone locations. After acquiring the brand in 2019, Dick’s integrated Field & Stream into its retail strategy, primarily through shop-in-shop formats and online sales. This move allowed Dick’s to expand its outdoor and hunting offerings while maintaining brand recognition.

Key Takeaways

• Dick’s Sporting Goods acquired Field & Stream in 2019: The acquisition allowed Dick’s to expand its outdoor and hunting product lines under a well-known brand name.
• Most Field & Stream stores were closed or converted: Following the acquisition, many standalone Field & Stream locations were shut down or rebranded as Dick’s Sporting Goods with Field & Stream sections.
• Field & Stream lives on as a product brand and shop-in-shop concept: You can now find dedicated Field & Stream zones inside select Dick’s stores, offering hunting, fishing, and camping gear.
• Online shopping includes Field & Stream products: The Dick’s website features a full Field & Stream category, making it easy to browse and purchase outdoor gear online.
• Field & Stream remains a trusted name in outdoor retail: Despite store changes, the brand continues to represent quality outdoor equipment and expert advice.
• Customers benefit from expanded inventory and expertise: Shoppers gain access to a broader range of outdoor products and knowledgeable staff trained in hunting and fishing.
• The acquisition reflects broader retail trends: The move highlights how large retailers consolidate brands to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Does Dick’s Sporting Goods own Field & Stream?

Yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods acquired the Field & Stream brand in 2019 and now owns the trademarks, inventory, and product line.

Are there still standalone Field & Stream stores?

No, most standalone Field & Stream stores were closed after the acquisition. The brand now operates as a shop-in-shop concept within Dick’s locations.

Can I buy Field & Stream products online?

Yes, the Dick’s Sporting Goods website features a full Field & Stream category with gear for hunting, fishing, and camping.

What happened to the original Field & Stream stores?

Many were closed or converted into Dick’s Sporting Goods stores with dedicated Field & Stream sections. Some locations were sold or repurposed.

Is Field & Stream still a separate brand?

Yes, Field & Stream remains a distinct brand under Dick’s ownership, with its own products, logo, and marketing.

Does Dick’s Sporting Goods Own Field & Stream Stores?

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, chances are you’ve walked into a Field & Stream store or browsed their website for hunting boots, fishing rods, or camping tents. For years, Field & Stream stood as a trusted name in outdoor retail, known for its rugged gear and expert advice. But over the past few years, you might have noticed fewer standalone Field & Stream stores and more of their products appearing inside Dick’s Sporting Goods locations. This shift raises a common question: Does Dick’s Sporting Goods own Field & Stream stores?

The short answer is yes—Dick’s Sporting Goods does own the Field & Stream brand. However, the way you experience Field & Stream today is quite different from what it was a decade ago. Instead of operating as a separate chain, Field & Stream now lives on as a product line and a shop-in-shop concept within Dick’s stores. This transformation began in 2019 when Dick’s acquired the Field & Stream brand from its previous owner, emphasizing a strategic move to strengthen its position in the outdoor and hunting market.

Understanding this ownership and the changes that followed helps explain why you might see Field & Stream gear in a Dick’s store or why some locations have been rebranded. It also sheds light on how large retailers adapt to shifting consumer habits, economic pressures, and the rise of e-commerce. In this article, we’ll explore the history of both brands, the details of the acquisition, how Field & Stream operates today, and what it means for customers who love outdoor adventures.

A Brief History of Field & Stream

To understand the current relationship between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream, it helps to know where Field & Stream came from. The brand traces its roots back to 1873 when it began as a magazine dedicated to fishing, hunting, and outdoor life. Over time, the publication built a loyal following among outdoorsmen and nature lovers, becoming a trusted source of tips, stories, and gear reviews.

In 1997, the Field & Stream brand expanded into retail with the opening of its first brick-and-mortar store. The goal was to bring the magazine’s expertise into physical spaces where customers could try on gear, get advice, and shop for high-quality outdoor equipment. The stores quickly gained popularity, especially in rural and suburban areas where hunting and fishing are common pastimes.

By the 2010s, Field & Stream had grown to over 70 locations across the United States. The stores offered a wide range of products, including firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, camping gear, and outdoor apparel. They also hosted events like fishing clinics and hunting seminars, reinforcing their role as community hubs for outdoor enthusiasts.

However, like many traditional retailers, Field & Stream faced challenges in the 2010s. Rising operational costs, increased competition from online retailers like Amazon, and changing consumer shopping habits put pressure on the brand. In 2017, the parent company at the time, Sears Holdings, began closing underperforming Field & Stream stores. By 2019, the brand was in need of a new direction.

The Acquisition: How Dick’s Sporting Goods Bought Field & Stream

In August 2019, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that it had acquired the Field & Stream brand from Sears Holdings. The deal included the Field & Stream name, trademarks, and inventory, but not the physical store locations. At the time, Dick’s stated that the acquisition was part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in the outdoor and hunting markets.

Why Did Dick’s Want Field & Stream?

Dick’s Sporting Goods had long been a major player in the sporting goods industry, but its focus had traditionally been on team sports, fitness, and athletic apparel. While it did carry some outdoor gear, it didn’t have the same depth or brand recognition in hunting and fishing as Field & Stream. By acquiring the brand, Dick’s could instantly tap into a loyal customer base and strengthen its outdoor offerings.

Additionally, the outdoor retail market was growing. More people were taking up activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, especially during the pandemic. Dick’s saw an opportunity to meet this demand by leveraging Field & Stream’s reputation for quality and expertise.

What Happened to the Original Field & Stream Stores?

After the acquisition, Dick’s made the decision not to reopen most of the standalone Field & Stream stores. Instead, the company chose to integrate the brand into its existing Dick’s Sporting Goods locations. This approach allowed Dick’s to reduce overhead costs while still offering Field & Stream products to customers.

Some former Field & Stream locations were converted into Dick’s stores with dedicated Field & Stream sections. Others were closed entirely. Dick’s also used the acquisition to enhance its online presence, adding a full Field & Stream category to its website where customers can shop for gear from home.

How Field & Stream Operates Under Dick’s Ownership

Today, Field & Stream exists primarily as a brand within the Dick’s Sporting Goods ecosystem. You won’t find many standalone Field & Stream stores anymore, but you can still experience the brand in several ways.

Shop-in-Shop Concept

One of the most visible changes is the introduction of “shop-in-shop” sections inside select Dick’s Sporting Goods stores. These are dedicated areas designed to look and feel like a traditional Field & Stream store, complete with rustic décor, product displays, and knowledgeable staff.

In these sections, you’ll find a wide range of Field & Stream-branded products, including:

– Hunting rifles, shotguns, and ammunition
– Fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes
– Camping tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks
– Outdoor clothing and footwear
– Archery equipment and accessories

The shop-in-shop format allows Dick’s to offer a specialized shopping experience without the cost of maintaining separate storefronts. It also gives customers the chance to browse Field & Stream gear in a familiar Dick’s environment.

Online Shopping and E-Commerce

For customers who prefer to shop online, the Dick’s Sporting Goods website features a comprehensive Field & Stream section. Here, you can browse hundreds of products, read customer reviews, and take advantage of online-exclusive deals.

The website also includes helpful resources like buying guides, how-to videos, and seasonal promotions. For example, during hunting season, Dick’s often runs special sales on firearms and camouflage clothing under the Field & Stream brand.

Brand Identity and Customer Trust

Even though Field & Stream is now owned by Dick’s, the brand retains its identity and reputation. Products still carry the Field & Stream name and logo, and many are designed with the same focus on durability and performance that made the brand popular.

Dick’s has also maintained Field & Stream’s commitment to outdoor education. Many Dick’s stores with Field & Stream sections host events like fishing workshops, firearm safety classes, and camping clinics. These events help build community and keep the spirit of the original Field & Stream stores alive.

What This Means for Customers

The integration of Field & Stream into Dick’s Sporting Goods has both benefits and drawbacks for customers. Let’s break down what shoppers can expect.

More Choices and Better Availability

One of the biggest advantages is greater product availability. Because Field & Stream products are now sold through Dick’s, customers have access to a wider selection of outdoor gear in more locations. Whether you’re in a major city or a small town, there’s a good chance you can find a Dick’s store with a Field & Stream section.

Additionally, Dick’s benefits from economies of scale, which can lead to better pricing and more frequent sales. Shoppers often find discounts on Field & Stream items during seasonal promotions, especially around holidays like Black Friday or the start of hunting season.

Expert Staff and In-Store Experience

Another benefit is the expertise of Dick’s staff. Employees in the Field & Stream sections are often trained in outdoor activities and can offer advice on everything from choosing the right fishing line to setting up a tent.

This level of service can be especially valuable for beginners who are new to hunting or camping. Instead of relying on online reviews or guesswork, customers can get personalized recommendations from someone who understands the gear.

Potential Downsides

Of course, there are some downsides to the consolidation. For longtime Field & Stream fans, the loss of standalone stores can feel like the end of an era. Some customers miss the unique atmosphere and specialized focus of the original locations.

There’s also the concern that Field & Stream products might become less distinct over time. As Dick’s continues to integrate the brand, there’s a risk that Field & Stream gear could be overshadowed by other product lines or diluted in quality.

However, so far, Dick’s has made efforts to preserve the brand’s identity. Field & Stream products are still marketed separately, and the company continues to invest in outdoor education and community events.

The Bigger Picture: Retail Trends and Brand Consolidation

The story of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream is part of a larger trend in the retail industry. Over the past decade, many traditional retailers have struggled to adapt to changing consumer habits. The rise of e-commerce, the decline of mall traffic, and increased competition have forced companies to rethink their strategies.

Why Retailers Acquire Brands

One common strategy is brand acquisition. By buying well-known brands, large retailers can quickly expand their product offerings, enter new markets, and attract loyal customers. This is exactly what Dick’s did with Field & Stream.

Other examples include:

– Walmart’s acquisition of Moosejaw (an outdoor retailer)
– Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods
– Target’s partnership with Levi’s to sell exclusive denim lines

These moves allow companies to leverage brand recognition while reducing the risks of launching new products from scratch.

The Shift to Omnichannel Retail

Another trend is the move toward omnichannel retail—blending online and in-store shopping experiences. Dick’s has embraced this approach by offering Field & Stream products both in physical stores and online.

Customers can research products on the website, check inventory at local stores, and even order online for in-store pickup. This flexibility makes shopping more convenient and helps retailers meet customer expectations in a digital age.

What’s Next for Field & Stream?

Looking ahead, it’s likely that Field & Stream will continue to evolve under Dick’s ownership. The brand may expand its online presence, introduce new product lines, or partner with outdoor influencers to reach younger audiences.

There’s also potential for more shop-in-shop locations, especially in areas with high demand for hunting and fishing gear. Dick’s has already opened several new stores with enhanced outdoor sections, and this trend could continue.

Ultimately, the goal is to keep Field & Stream relevant and valuable to outdoor enthusiasts while operating efficiently in a competitive market.

Conclusion

So, does Dick’s Sporting Goods own Field & Stream stores? Yes—but not in the way you might think. While Dick’s owns the Field & Stream brand, most standalone stores have been closed or converted. Today, Field & Stream lives on as a product line and shop-in-shop concept within Dick’s Sporting Goods locations.

This shift reflects broader changes in the retail industry, where brand consolidation and omnichannel strategies are becoming the norm. For customers, the result is greater access to outdoor gear, expert advice, and convenient shopping options.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a weekend camper, or just getting started in the outdoors, you can still find quality Field & Stream products at Dick’s. The brand’s legacy continues, even if the storefronts look a little different than they used to.

As the outdoor industry grows and evolves, partnerships like this one will likely become more common. The key for retailers is to balance efficiency with authenticity—keeping beloved brands alive while adapting to the needs of modern shoppers.

For now, Field & Stream remains a trusted name in outdoor retail, thanks in large part to its integration into the Dick’s Sporting Goods family. So the next time you’re shopping for a new fishing rod or a pair of hiking boots, don’t be surprised to find them under the Field & Stream name—inside a Dick’s store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Dick’s Sporting Goods buy Field & Stream?

Dick’s wanted to expand its outdoor and hunting product offerings and tap into Field & Stream’s loyal customer base. The acquisition allowed Dick’s to strengthen its position in the growing outdoor retail market.

Can I still find Field & Stream gear in stores?

Yes, many Dick’s Sporting Goods locations now have dedicated Field & Stream sections where you can shop for hunting, fishing, and camping equipment.

Are Field & Stream products the same quality as before?

Dick’s has maintained the brand’s focus on quality and performance. Most Field & Stream products are designed for durability and outdoor use, just like before the acquisition.

Do Field & Stream stores offer the same services as before?

While standalone stores are gone, many Dick’s locations with Field & Stream sections host events like fishing clinics and firearm safety classes, continuing the brand’s educational mission.

Will Dick’s open new Field & Stream stores in the future?

It’s unlikely that Dick’s will open new standalone Field & Stream stores. The focus is on integrating the brand into existing Dick’s locations through shop-in-shop formats.

How do I know if my local Dick’s has a Field & Stream section?

You can check the store locator on the Dick’s Sporting Goods website or call your local store to ask if they carry Field & Stream products and have a dedicated section.