Dive Brief:
- Dickās Sporting Goods on Friday announced the launch of an agentic AI-powered adviser, Coach by Dickās, the retailer said in a press release.Ā The company will introduce the tool within its mobile app in June and add more capabilities over time.
- In response to usersā queries, the tool can provide product recommendations and athletic training advice based on a customerās goals, behaviors and preferences.
- The company built the tool using Adobe Brand Concierge and the retailerās own content and expertise.
Dive Insight:
The Coach by Dickās rollout signals the retailerās continued focus on revamping its digital operations.Ā
In March 2025, Dickās Sporting Goods said it planned to reshape its e-commerce business, with a particular focus on its mobile app. At that time, CEO Lauren Hobart said the company sought to increase its online presence and snap up more market share.Ā
Through Coach by Dickās, Dickās Sporting Goods wants to extend its reach beyond the typical shopping experience by offering mobile app users bespoke guidance based on their sport, proficiency level and each shopperās unique needs.Ā
āWe designed Coach by Dickās to meet athletes where they are on their sports journey,ā Vlad Rak, chief technology officer at Dickās, said in a press release. āBy bringing together the depth of our product knowledge, our understanding of sport, and what each athlete is trying to accomplish, we can respond in real time with guidance that's relevant in the moment.ā
The launch of Coach by Dickās comes as the broader retail industry embraces AI. During the National Retail Federationās 2026 Big Show earlier this year, Dickās Executive Chairman Ed Stack was among the executives who spoke about the technology, encouraging the industry not to fear artificial intelligence.Ā
āI think itās going to have an impact, for sure, but itās also going to create some other opportunities on the other side, and we always try to take a look at the glass half full,ā Stack said.Ā
The creation of Dickās Sporting Goodsā AI companion comes on the heels of a successful quarter for the retailer. In Q1, the retailerās net sales and comps rose 6% year over year. In response to its recent growth, the company raised its full-year comparable sales guidance for the Dickās division to between 2.5% and 4%, a slight increase from its previous estimate of 2% to 4%.