Modell's Sporting Goods closed all its stores in 2020

Modell's Sporting Goods filed for bankruptcy and shut down every location in February 2020. The chain, which had operated for over 130 years, could not survive the shift to online shopping and the financial pressure of its debt. If you shopped there before the closure, you cannot return to a Modell's store — the company no longer exists as a retailer.

The closure affected customers who had gift cards, loyalty program balances, or pending online orders. Most gift cards became worthless because the company had no assets left to honor them. Some customers with pending orders received partial refunds or shipments of items already in transit, but the process was handled through bankruptcy proceedings rather than normal customer service.

If you are looking for the types of products Modell's sold — athletic shoes, team apparel, fitness equipment, and sporting gear — you will need to shop at other retailers. The sporting goods market has consolidated around a smaller number of large chains and online-only sellers since Modell's closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Modell's Sporting Goods permanently closed all stores in February 2020 and no longer operates as a business.
  • Gift cards and loyalty program balances from Modell's have no value and cannot be redeemed anywhere.
  • Customers with pending orders at the time of closure had to pursue claims through the bankruptcy process, which is now closed.
  • Other national sporting goods chains and online retailers now carry the same categories of products Modell's sold.

Where Modell's customers shopped after the closure

The main national chains that absorbed Modell's customer base were Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Foot Locker (before Foot Locker itself downsized). These retailers operate physical stores in many regions and also sell online. Dick's Sporting Goods has the widest footprint, with locations in most states and a full website. Academy Sports + Outdoors has stronger presence in the South and Midwest.

Online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, Eastbay, and brand-specific websites (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour) now capture much of the sales that regional chains like Modell's once held. These sites often have lower prices and faster shipping than physical stores, which is partly why Modell's struggled to compete.

Specialty retailers also filled the gap: REI for outdoor and hiking gear, Lululemon for athletic apparel, Dick's for team sports equipment, and Dicks Sporting Goods for fishing and hunting supplies. The market is now more fragmented, with customers shopping across multiple retailers rather than going to one chain for everything.

What happened to Modell's gift cards and loyalty accounts

Modell's gift cards issued before the February 2020 closure have no monetary value. The company's bankruptcy meant there were no funds to honor them. Customers who held gift cards could not exchange them for merchandise or cash, and no other retailer accepted Modell's cards as payment.

The Modell's loyalty program (called Modell's Rewards) also ended. Points and balances in customer accounts were not transferred to any other program and could not be cashed out. Customers who had accumulated rewards had no way to use them after the stores closed.

If you held a Modell's gift card or had a loyalty balance at the time of closure, that money is gone. The bankruptcy process did not set aside funds to reimburse customers for these amounts. This is a common outcome when retailers fail — gift cards and loyalty points are unsecured claims that rank behind debt to banks and suppliers.

Modell's online orders and refunds during the bankruptcy

Customers who had placed orders on Modell's website before the bankruptcy filing faced uncertainty. Some orders were shipped before the closure was announced, and those customers received their merchandise. Others were cancelled, and refunds were processed through the bankruptcy trustee rather than Modell's customer service department.

The refund process took several months because the bankruptcy court had to determine how to distribute the company's remaining assets. Customers with pending refunds had to file claims with the bankruptcy trustee, and the amount they received depended on how much money was available after paying secured creditors like banks.

If you had an order pending when Modell's closed in 2020, that situation is now resolved — the bankruptcy case closed years ago. If you never received a refund and never filed a claim, you cannot file one now. The important date to submit claims passed long ago.

Why Modell's could not compete with Dick's and online retailers

Modell's operated mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, which limited its scale compared to Dick's Sporting Goods, which had national reach. The company also carried a heavy debt burden from a leveraged buyout in 2006, which meant it had to pay millions in interest every year just to service that debt. This left less money for store improvements, inventory, and competitive pricing.

Online shopping accelerated the decline. Customers could buy athletic shoes and apparel from Amazon or brand websites with faster delivery and often lower prices than Modell's stores offered. The company tried to build its online business but could not move fast enough to compete with Amazon's logistics and Dick's Sporting Goods' national infrastructure.

The final blow came in 2019 and early 2020, when foot traffic in malls and shopping centers — where many Modell's stores were located — dropped sharply. The company could not sustain the cost of rent on those locations while sales declined. By February 2020, the debt and the changing retail environment made bankruptcy the only option.

How to find products similar to what Modell's sold

If you are looking for athletic shoes, start with Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or brand websites like Nike and Adidas. These retailers carry the same major brands Modell's stocked. Online options include Amazon, Zappos, and Eastbay, which often have larger selection and competitive prices.

For team sports equipment — baseball gloves, soccer balls, basketball hoops — Dick's Sporting Goods remains the largest national option. Academy Sports + Outdoors also carries team sports gear, especially in the South. Specialty retailers like Spalding (basketballs), Wilson (baseball and tennis), and Louisville Slugger (bats) sell directly from their websites.

For fitness equipment and gym gear, Dick's Sporting Goods has a large selection, but online retailers like Amazon, Rogue Fitness, and Bowflex often have better prices and more specialized equipment. Outdoor and hiking gear is best found at REI, Bass Pro Shops, or Cabela's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Modell's gift card anywhere?

No. Modell's gift cards have no value and cannot be used at any retailer. The company's bankruptcy in 2020 meant there were no funds to honor them. If you have an old Modell's card, you can discard it.

Is Modell's coming back or opening new stores?

No. Modell's Sporting Goods is permanently closed. The company was liquidated during bankruptcy, and there are no plans to reopen stores or revive the brand. The Modell's name and business no longer exist.

What should I do if I never received a refund for an order?

The Modell's bankruptcy case closed years ago, and the important date to file claims has passed. You cannot file a new claim now. If you have documentation of the order, you could contact your credit card company to dispute the charge, though they may decline if too much time has passed.

Where can I find the same brands Modell's carried?

Dick's Sporting Goods carries most of the same athletic brands and equipment. Online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and brand-specific websites (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour) also stock what Modell's sold. Academy Sports + Outdoors is another option, especially in the South and Midwest.

Did Modell's stores become Dick's Sporting Goods locations?

No. Dick's Sporting Goods did not acquire Modell's stores or locations. Dick's and other retailers bought some inventory during the liquidation sale, but the physical store locations were not transferred. Most former Modell's locations are now occupied by other retailers or remain vacant.