BOARDMAN, Ohio -This week the new Dick's Sporting Goods opened its doors in Boardman. It's just one of several new places in the township.

The new Dick's Sporting Goods is a 50,000 square foot facility with a little something new for the expanded golf department.

"We have a golf simulator to help you do some virtual play and also an area for club fitting so you get the best fit with the clubs you buy here," said Dick's Spokesperson Colleen Wilson.

Barely a mile away from its former location off South Avenue, the new Dick's is one of many new grand openings in the township that include Quaker Steak and Lube, Do-Cut, and H.H. Gregg.

"It's starting to get some more growth back in the area," said Struthers resident Gary Smith. "It's revitalized."

Despite a number of closures over the last few years, some businesses appear to be growing.

"There's a lot of activity in Boardman," said Township Zoning Inspector Anna Mamone. "There are new businesses that are inquiring all of the time. There's construction going on so we're very happy about it."

Some times that means new construction for the township.

"It stimulates the economy," Mamone said. "A lot of developers come into the area and they probably go to our local union halls and get the contractors that are available along with their own crews."

And other times it means making use of what Boardman already has. Some new businesses are making use of formerly empty buildings like Do-Cut, which when it opens in mid-March, replaces the old Creekside Beverage.

Dick's Sporting Goods took the place of a closed furniture store.

"That's an asset to the township," Mamone added. "Instead of having a vacant building, to renovate a commercial property.

Dick's Sporting Goods will have its grand opening Sunday morning.