MARQUETTE — Up to 50 new jobs are expected to be brought to the area now that Dunham’s Sports is coming to the Westwood Mall.

The location was one reason for the return of the sporting goods store.

“Dunham’s selected the Westwood Mall based on both the location and the size of available real estate,” said David Palmer, vice president of marketing and advertising for Dunham’s Sports, in an email.

It is expected the store will open in mid to late summer.

Dunham’s Sports will open in the former Younkers location.

Jason McCarthy, planning and zoning administrator for Marquette Township, said the township is grateful that Dunham’s chose the township to locate its updated sporting goods store.

“They will add to the local tax base, provide additional jobs for various stages of life and provide outdoor enthusiasts with options that they may not otherwise be able to find locally,” McCarthy said in an email. “Further, they fill a retail space that has been vacant and underperforming for some time.

“We continue to work with the Westwood Mall team to infill vacant spaces with new and innovative land uses that will likely vary from what the original retail spaces intended. Recently, there has been an influx of local interest and this partnership should lead to a more robust offering for our residents and visitors, moving forward.”

The new store will be more than twice the size of the old store, enabling Dunham’s to display more categories and brands.

“If you liked the old store, you will love the new store,” said David Lynn, president of Dunham’s Sports, in a news release. “We work tirelessly to ensure that our in-store experience evolves to meet the demands of our customers.”

The store will offer an expanded footwear and apparel area, a larger outdoor hunt, fish, camp and water sports area, and a wide selection of fitness equipment. Additionally, the new Dunham’s will offer an expanded selection of equipment for team sports from youth through adult, a large golf department, a broad selection of indoor and outdoor games, go-carts and mini bikes, hydration, work wear, denim and more.

The store is expected to feature brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Carhartt, Yeti, Hydro Flask, Levi’s and many more.

The former Dunham’s location at the Marquette Mall along U.S. 41 closed in 2015.

A proposed renovation project at the time was part of the reason for the Dunham’s closure.

Visit dunhamssports.com to find out more about the company.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.