It's 2:00 PM on a Saturday. You’re driving down Route 9, stuck behind a Prius doing forty, and all you need is a fresh pair of Brooks Ghosts because your current ones have zero tread left. You see the sign for Sherwood Plaza. You pull in. Dicks Sporting Goods Natick isn't just another retail box; it's a Metrowest landmark that has survived the retail apocalypse while other stores in the plaza folded like lawn chairs.
Honestly, shopping here is an experience that fluctuates between "I found exactly what I needed" and "why is it so hard to find a human in the soccer department?"
The Layout Reality
Located at 1336 Worcester Street, this store sits right across from the Natick Mall. Most people think it’s in the mall. It’s not. It’s in Sherwood Plaza, which is actually a blessing because you don't have to deal with mall parking garages. You just park, walk in, and you’re surrounded by gear.
The store is massive. It's structured like most of their standard high-volume locations, but the Natick branch feels particularly dense with inventory. You've got the footwear "Power Deck" in the back, the golf section (which is surprisingly deep), and the seasonal rotations up front.
What They Actually Get Right
If you’re looking for specific services, the Dicks Sporting Goods Natick location is better than the average suburban branch. They have a legitimate batting cage. It’s not just for show. You can actually rent time in the HitTrax Batting Cage to dial in your swing or test out that new $400 Louisville Slugger before you commit.
- Glove Steaming: They can break in your baseball or softball glove in minutes.
- Golf Services: There’s a dedicated pro shop area where they do regripping and basic club tuning.
- Bike Tech: During peak season, they usually have a tech on-site for assemblies and basic derailleur adjustments.
The "New Soccer Experience" they launched recently is a nice touch too. It makes the department feel less like a shelf of shinguards and more like a specialized shop.
The Golf Dilemma
Natick is a golf town. Between the public courses and the private clubs nearby, everyone is looking for clubs. The Natick store has hitting bays equipped with launch monitors. Is it a full House of Sport experience like the one at the Prudential Center in Boston? No. But it’s much better than the smaller satellite stores. You can get a 30-minute simulator rental for some off-season practice, which is a lifesaver in February when there’s two feet of snow on the ground.
Dicks Sporting Goods Natick: The Local Reputation
Let’s talk about the service. It’s a mixed bag.
If you go on a Tuesday morning, the staff is attentive. They’ll help you find the right weight for a kettlebell without a second thought. But on a tax-free weekend or the week before Christmas? It’s every person for themselves.
One thing local regulars know: check the weekly ad before you go. The Natick store often honors "Best Price Guarantee" matches, so if you see a lower price at a local competitor or a major online retailer, show it to them at the register. It works. Usually.
✨ Don't miss: Sports Plus Ice Rink Cincinnati: Why It’s Still the Best Spot for Local Hockey and Open Skating
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think they still sell firearms or heavy-duty hunting gear. They don't. That shifted years ago. This location is now heavily skewed toward "Athleisure" and team sports. If you want a Patagonia Nano Puff or the latest HOKA Bondi 8, you're in the right place. If you want a deer stand, you’re better off heading to a dedicated outdoor outfitter.
How to Shop Smart in Natick
The inventory at this location moves fast. If you see something online and the site says "Limited Stock" at the Natick store, do the one-hour pickup.
Don't drive there hoping it's on the shelf.
The staff might not find it in time if you just walk in, but the "Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store" (BOPIS) system forces them to pull the item and hold it at the front desk. It saves you the 20-minute walk through the aisles only to find out the last pair of size 11 cleats was sold ten minutes ago.
Navigating the Crowds
Sherwood Plaza has a weird traffic flow. Entering from Worcester Street (Route 9 West) is easy. Leaving? That's the hard part. If you’re trying to head back toward Framingham, you have to navigate the U-turn or go through the back exits toward Route 30.
Pro Tip: If the main lot is packed, park near the Paper Store side and walk over. It's easier than idling for a spot right in front of the Dicks entrance.
Summary of Services
- Full-service Golf: Fittings, regripping, and simulator rentals.
- Baseball/Softball: HitTrax cage rentals and glove steaming.
- Apparel: Massive selection of Nike, Under Armour, and their house brand, DSG.
- Fan Shop: Heavy focus on Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins gear.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head to the Natick store, download the Dicks Sporting Goods app. Join the ScoreCard program if you haven't. It sounds like a marketing ploy, but in 2026, the points actually add up to real "Reward Dollars" fairly quickly if you're buying big-ticket items like treadmills or golf clubs.
Also, always check the "Clearance" racks tucked in the back corners of the apparel sections. Because the Natick location is a high-volume hub, they cycle through seasonal gear faster than smaller stores, meaning you can often find high-end North Face or Columbia gear at 50% off just because the color is from "last season."
Check your local inventory on the website, secure your order via the app for curbside pickup if you’re in a rush, and make sure to double-check the return policy on specialized equipment like electronics or fitness trackers before you leave the register.