News Summary
Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan, is welcoming three new retailers to fill the space left by the former Sears store. DICK’s House of Sport, Primark, and Round1 Bowling and Arcade will provide an experiential shopping atmosphere, with openings expected in 2026. The changes mark a shift from traditional department stores to engaging retail experiences aimed at boosting foot traffic and revitalizing the nearly 50-year-old shopping center.
Novi, Michigan — Three new retailers are set to fill the vacant space left by the former Sears at Twelve Oaks Mall, with openings anticipated in 2026. The incoming stores—DICK’s House of Sport, Primark, and Round1—mark a significant shift in the mall’s approach to retail, transitioning from traditional department stores to more experiential offerings.
Construction work has already begun on the refurbishment of the Sears location, which closed in 2019 as part of a nationwide shutdown by the retailer. The new tenants aim to attract shoppers by providing not just a shopping experience, but various activities and entertainment options.
DICK’s House of Sport will occupy approximately 100,000 square feet on the lower level of the space, specializing in athletic products and various in-store activities. The store will include many unique experiences for customers, such as simulators, batting cages, a climbing wall, a running track, multiple golf bays, and an outdoor activity space that can transform into an ice rink during winter months. This concept emphasizes the growing trend toward experience-driven retail, where physical shopping environments cater to customer engagement through multiple activities.
Located on the upper level, Primark will offer value-priced clothing and housewares. This will be the second Primark store in Michigan, following the success of its first location, further contributing to the trend of affordable shopping in the region. Alongside Primark, Round1 Bowling and Arcade will also take residence on the upper level, bringing a robust entertainment component to the mall. Known for its bowling alleys, arcade games, karaoke options, and food offerings, Round1 aims to create a fun-filled atmosphere for families and friends.
According to the general manager of Twelve Oaks Mall, Scott Lofton, Primark and Round1 are expected to open in the first half of 2026, while DICK’s House of Sport is scheduled for a fourth-quarter opening. The openings will not only revitalize the former Sears space but are also seen as a pivotal component in drawing foot traffic back to the nearly 50-year-old shopping center.
The space previously occupied by Sears is currently owned by Transformco, a company that manages the real estate for former Sears locations. The decision to fill this space with retailers that promote interaction and entertainment aligns with broader retail industry trends, highlighting the importance of vibrant experiences in drawing consumers to shopping venues.
In addition to these new tenants, other areas of Twelve Oaks Mall are also undergoing positive changes. For instance, Pottery Barn is relocating to a larger space within the mall, signaling a continued commitment to improving the shopping experience as a whole.
The shift from conventional department store offerings to more experience-based retail solutions is seen as essential in meeting the needs of modern consumers. This move reflects the growing acknowledgment of changing shopping habits, especially in light of retail dynamics influenced by e-commerce and online shopping.
Market analysts and local business owners express optimism regarding the revitalization efforts at Twelve Oaks Mall. With these new retailers, the mall is expected to not only enhance its appeal but also contribute positively to the local economy as it adapts to current retail trends and the preferences of consumers.
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HERE Resources
Novi Set for Mall Revitalization with New Entertainment Options
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Three New Retailers Coming to Twelve Oaks Mall
- Patch: Three New Retailers Coming to Twelve Oaks Mall
- Detroit News: New Tenants for Former Sears Store
- WXYZ: Vacant Sears Space at Twelve Oaks Mall
- Hometown Life: New Store Opens at Twelve Oaks Mall
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Google Search: Retail Trends
- Google Scholar: Experience-Driven Retail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Department Stores
- Google News: Twelve Oaks Mall
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
