#United States #Academy Sports #Various Locations #Expansion #new stores

Academy Sports + Outdoors Expands with New Locations

Academy Sports + Outdoors, often referred to simply as Academy, has announced a significant growth initiative with the opening of eleven new stores by the end of the third quarter of 2025. This expansion is a strategic decision to enhance the company’s retail presence and provide customers with superior access to quality sporting and outdoor products.

The first three stores, located in Boardman, Ohio; Beaufort, South Carolina; and Virginia Beach, Virginia, are already operational. Following these openings, Academy plans to unveil eight more locations this fall in cities including Rome, Georgia; Cullman, Alabama; Mishawaka, Indiana; Lakeland, Florida; Columbia, Tennessee; Albany, Georgia; Palestine, Texas; and Batesville, Mississippi. This brings their total store openings for 2025 to eleven, with a projected total of 20 to 25 new stores planned by the end of the fiscal year.

Each new Academy location is designed to be a go-to shopping destination for families, offering a vast selection of apparel, footwear, sports gear, and outdoor equipment from leading national brands at competitive prices. Eric Friederich, the Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, expressed excitement about the expansion, noting, "We’re thrilled to bring the Academy experience to even more communities this fall. Each store will offer high-quality products that cater to families looking to make the most out of their outdoor and athletic adventures."

Job Creation and Community Engagement

The newly opened stores are expected to generate over 650 new jobs across Academy's expansion areas, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to creating employment opportunities in its operational regions. To learn more about employment at Academy, interested individuals can visit their careers website to apply for available positions.

Each store grand opening will not only feature exclusive deals and giveaways but will also showcase Academy's dedication to community service. For instance, Academy has partnered with local nonprofit organizations in the regions surrounding the new openings to host donation-driven events. These events, such as shopping sprees for local youth, highlight Academy's commitment to supporting back-to-school needs and fostering community spirit.

A Commitment to Family and Value

At Academy, every store aims to be a vibrant environment where families can find everything from hunting and fishing gear to camping essentials, ensuring customers leave equipped for their outdoor excursions. Additionally, Academy provides complimentary services like bike assembly, scope mounting, propane exchanges, and the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses—further enhancing the shopping experience.

Academy guarantees competitive pricing, promising to beat competitor prices by 5%. Customers can also enjoy further savings by using the Academy Credit Card to receive an additional discount on purchases. New cardholders are especially privileged with a discount on their first transaction after approval.

The company's extensive product range includes exclusive private label brands like Magellan Outdoors, Freely, BCG, and others, which cater to the diverse needs of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike, covering ranges from casual wear to specialized outdoor equipment.

Academy also encourages customer participation through its rewards program, myAcademy, which offers perks such as welcome bonuses, faster shopping checkout, and special birthday rewards.

About Academy Sports + Outdoors

Founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown significantly to operate over 300 stores across 21 states. The company’s core mission remains steadfast: to provide enjoyment for all through a carefully curated collection of sporting goods and outdoor recreation products. For more information, visit Academy.com.

In conclusion, Academy Sports + Outdoors’ strategic plan for expansion indicates not only growth in retail space but also a broader commitment to community, employment, and providing quality products that meet the evolving needs of active families across America.