Sports Authority to replace Filene’s Basement in Arsenal Mall

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

The Sports Authority retail chain plans to open a 33,000-square-foot store in Watertown’s Arsenal Mall next spring and replace a Filene’s Basement store that is scheduled to close at the end of the year, said the mall’s operator, Simon Property Group.

A Colorado-based chain of roughly 460 stores, Sports Authority focuses on sporting apparel and athletic equipment.

Just over a week ago, the parent of Filene’s Basement announced plans for the chain to shut down in January, a victim of fierce competition and a tough economy.

According to Arsenal Mall’s website, its store line-up includes Marshalls, Old Navy, Gap Outlet, and Home Depot.

Headquartered in Indiana, Simon Property is a large owner, developer, and manager of shopping malls.