Dick’s goes high profile with Public Lands new store concept appointment

One of the best known figures in the US outdoor industry has been appointed President of the new Public Lands retail concept being launched by Dick’s Sporting Goods next year.

Todd Spaletto, former Group President of Wolverine Worldwide and Global President of The North Face, will be responsible for the launch, development and growth of Public Lands’ two initial locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio. In addition to driving bottom line growth for Dick’s, the new retail brand will focus on protecting public lands, advancing environmental protections and driving youth participation in outdoor sports.

“At Dick’s, we’ve been very focused on our Sports Matter Foundation and how important we think it is that kids have an opportunity to get out and play,” said outgoing CEO, Edward Stack, referring to the company’s non-profit efforts to increase sports participation among children. “With the investment we’ve made in Sports Matter over the years, we’ve reached over one million kids and have given them the opportunity to continue to play sports. We hope with Public Lands we’re going to be able to impact another million over the next several years.”

A company memo added that Spaletto will ‘work closely’ with leaders across the company to develop and implement plans to support this important initiative. It adds: “Todd’s experience in and knowledge of the outdoor market will be invaluable in driving the company’s efforts in this space.”

In an outdoor career spanning 24 years, Spaletto has also spent three years at JanSport as VP of Sales and two years at High Sierra as National Sales Manager.

The launch of Dick’s new retail concept, reported on this website earlier this week, could increase Dick’s already significant share of tackle sales in the US. The first two stores will take over the company’s Field & Stream stores. “As we look to exit the Field & Stream and firearms businesses, one the places where we think is a great opportunity is the outdoors,” said Stack, who is to be succeeded as CEO by current President, Lauren Hobart, from February 1.