Academy Sports & Outdoors Massive Expansion Over the Next 5 Years
Academy Sports + Outdoors is a leading American sporting goods retailer with a strong presence across the United States. Founded in 1938 by Max Gochman, the company initially started as a tire shop in San Antonio, Texas. Over the years, it expanded its product offerings to include a wide range of sporting goods, outdoor equipment, apparel, and footwear.
Academy Sports + Outdoors is planning an ambitious expansion over the next five years, aiming to open 160 to 180 new stores.
The company intends to evenly distribute these new stores between new and existing markets initially, with a focus on entering new markets with greater density of new store openings in the future. CEO Steve Lawrence emphasized the importance of timing store openings throughout the year, aiming to open about 50% of new stores in the first and second quarters starting in 2025. The long-term vision includes having 800-plus stores nationwide. In the current fiscal year, Academy plans to open 15 to 17 new stores, including locations in Knightdale, N.C., and Greenwood, Ind. These expansions aim to provide localized assortments meeting the needs of active families. Academy stores offer a range of products from various national brands as well as exclusive private label brands, along with free services such as grill and bike assembly. Founded in 1938, Academy has grown to 283 stores across 18 states.
Source:
Wilson, Marianne. "Academy Sports & Outdoors to open 160 to 180 stores over next five years" Chain Store Age. March 26, 2024.