Redevelopment of Former Sears Store at Twelve Oaks Mall

News Summary

The long-abandoned Sears store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan, will be redeveloped to include attractions like Dick’s House of Sport, Round1 Bowling and Arcade, and Primark. The aim is to enhance shopping and entertainment experiences. Construction has begun with an anticipated opening for some attractions in 2026, signaling a shift towards experience-based retail to combat vacancy issues and attract visitors.

Novi, Michigan – The long-vacant Sears store at Twelve Oaks Mall is set to undergo a significant redevelopment that aims to enhance the shopping and entertainment experience for visitors. The project will introduce three new attractions: Dick’s House of Sport, Round1 Bowling and Arcade, and Primark, a fast-fashion retailer hailing from Ireland. Construction work has already begun, as confirmed by Scott Lofton, the mall’s general manager.

Planned Attractions

Among the new tenants, Dick’s House of Sport is expected to be a prominent addition. This concept is an offshoot of Dick’s Sporting Goods, focusing on providing various sporting experiences. The facility will include unique features such as a climbing wall, a running track, multi-sport batting cages, and a golf simulator. Dick’s House of Sport will occupy the majority of the lower level of the old Sears building, indicating a significant investment in athletic and recreational offerings.

Moreover, the redevelopment plans include an outdoor activity space, featuring a turf field and a running track that can be transformed into an ice rink during the winter months. This combination aims to attract a diverse audience interested in both outdoor sports and seasonal activities, further enhancing community engagement.

Space Allocation

The upper level of the former Sears building will be shared between Round1, known for its bowling and arcade entertainment, and Primark, which will offer stylish, affordable clothing options. Both Round1 and Primark are anticipated to open by the first half of 2026, while Dick’s House of Sport is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of the same year.

Background Context

The Sears location, which closed in 2019, has contributed to vacancy challenges faced by the Twelve Oaks Mall. The mall, now owned and managed by Transformco, aims to revitalize its space by adapting to changing retail trends. The focus on experience-based retail is a shift seen across the industry, as consumer preferences move towards immersive experiences rather than traditional shopping.

This redevelopment comes at a time when local shopping centers are striving to increase foot traffic amid competition from online retailers. The mall’s strategy emphasizes attracting brands that offer engaging experiences, which is expected to enhance customer attendance and revitalization of the area.

Additionally, the mall is witnessing further changes, such as the relocation of Pottery Barn to a larger space across from The Cheesecake Factory in the fall. In contrast, several closures have also occurred, including a Forever 21 earlier this year, part of broader downsizing trends in the retail sector.

With the ongoing construction and various new attractions planned, community members have expressed enthusiasm about the mall’s revitalization and the entertainment options it will provide. There is optimism that the new businesses will improve overall mall attendance and create a more vibrant shopping atmosphere.

The development of these attractions at Twelve Oaks Mall is a notable step in addressing the vacancy issues previously faced by the Sears location, providing opportunities for shoppers and enhancing the overall retail landscape in Novi.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Three New Retailers Set to Replace Former Sears at Twelve Oaks Mall
Novi Set for Mall Revitalization with New Entertainment Options
Three Sonesta Hotels Sold in Novi, Michigan
Three Sonesta Hotels Acquired in Michigan
Exciting New Series ‘Paradise’ Premieres on Hulu
Exciting New Chocolate Destination Opens in Novi’s Twelve Oaks Mall
Novi, Michigan Welcomes a New Luxury Living Community!
Novi Celebrates Historic Bus Accessibility as Wayne County Takes Steps to Enhance Public Transit Options
Get Ready for a Tasty Treat as Novi Taco Fest is Here Again!

Additional Resources

• CBS News: Twelve Oaks Mall New Stores
• Free Press: Dick’s House of Sports, Primark, Round1 at Twelve Oaks Mall
• Patch: New Retailers at Twelve Oaks Mall
• WXYZ: Vacant Sears Space at Twelve Oaks Mall
• Detroit News: New Tenants at Twelve Oaks Mall
• Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
• Google Search: Twelve Oaks Mall
• Google Scholar: Twelve Oaks Mall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi
• Google News: Twelve Oaks Mall