Sports Authority is expected to expand another 17,000 square feet at Ward Centers in late summer.

The sports retailer is expanding into space currently occupied by Pictures Plus and the Marukai 99 store, giving it extra space for sports apparel, gear and accessories. When the move is final, the larger Sports Authority will measure close to 60,000 square feet.

Sports Authority currently has four stores in Hawaii - one on Maui, one on the Big Island, and one at Waikele on Oahu, in addition to the Ward location. A new store is also slated to open in Kapolei in March.

Though many tenants have left Ward Centers over the past few months, others have moved in or are moving around.

Pictures Plus will be moving to Ward Warehouse in April, while Marukai 99 will relocate to space formerly occupied by Tropic Fish & Vegetable at Ward Farmers Market this spring. Tropic Fish closed down its retail store in March of last year, although it will continue its wholesale operations.

MisFortune, a popular wo-men's boutique, closed up shop but is reopening at its current location in late February under new ownership.

Other new merchants that joined the collection of more than 135 shops and eateries at Ward Centers this year include: In4m Boardshop, Hurley, Brian's Hawaiian Kitchen, and Expressions Portrait Studio.

Blazin' Steaks is opening at Ward Warehouse next to Dairy Queen/Orange Julius this spring, while Taco Del Mar will open next to Crazy Shirts at Ward Centre in July.

General Growth's Ward Neighborhood Master Plan, which would redevelop most of the 60 acres it owns in the neighborhoods, was approved by the Hawaii Community Development Authority in January. The Chicago-based developer, however, has two years to draw up a development agreement with HCDA, and has made no announcements on its next step.