The City of Early, in partnership with Victoria Retail Property Group and Mesa Commercial Realty, is proud to announce that Dunham’s Sports will open a new location in the former Heartland Mall, now rebranded as Heartland Shopping Center.

Founded in 1937, Dunham’s Sports has grown into one of the nation’s largest full-line sporting goods chains, with a strong presence across the Midwest and other regions of the United States. Known for offering quality sporting goods at value prices, Dunham’s carries a wide selection of athletic equipment, hunting and fishing supplies, camping gear, firearms and outdoor accessories, fitness equipment, footwear, apparel, and team sports merchandise. The Early location represents an exciting expansion of the Dunham’s brand into the Texas market and reflects continued confidence in the growth and potential of the City of Early and Brown County region.

The City of Early is excited to welcome a nationally recognized retailer that will help fill a long-standing retail void in our community. Residents of Brown County and surrounding areas have often traveled outside the region for many sporting goods and outdoor recreation products. Dunham’s Sports will now provide local access to these products while strengthening the regional retail market and keeping consumer spending closer to home.

The new store will occupy more than 81,000 square feet inside Heartland Shopping Center. The redevelopment project will include significant upgrades to the shopping center, including façade improvements, parking lot enhancements, updated signage, and major interior renovations. The Dunham’s space will extend from the current Hobby Lobby location to just beyond the former Corn Dog 7 area. Interior walls will be removed and redesigned to create a modern retail footprint extending from the front entrance to the rear of the shopping center.  With the redevelopment there will be two additional retail spaces remaining in the mall.   One at 15,000 square feet and the other 18,000 square feet.  There is also two out parcels to be developed. The project is scheduled to begin in Fall of 2026.

“This project represents another major investment into the future of Early and our regional economy,” said Tony Aaron, City Administrator of Early, Texas. “Dunham’s Sports brings a respected national brand to our community, expands retail opportunities for our citizens, and further positions Heartland Shopping Center as a premier retail destination for Central Texas. This announcement will propel us forward as we target other tenants for the available spaces.”

The City of Early is grateful for the partnership and leadership of Brandon Harris with Mesa Commercial Realty, who represents Victoria Retail Property Group in this transaction. The project is expected to generate between $5 million and $6 million in private investment and produce substantial annual sales tax revenue benefiting the community for years to come.

The City of Early proudly welcomes Dunham’s Sports to the community and looks forward to the positive economic impact and expanded shopping opportunities this development will bring to the region.

Tony Aaron
City Administrator
City of Early