Academy Sports + Outdoors Expands Retail Presence with New Stores in Ohio and Oklahoma

Academy Sports + Outdoors Expands Its Retail Footprint

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a prominent retailer in sporting goods, is thrilled to report significant growth through the inauguration of two new stores, located in North Canton, Ohio, and Muskogee, Oklahoma. This expansion is part of a larger initiative aimed at opening 20 to 25 new locations across the U.S. in the fiscal year 2026.

Since its inception, Academy has committed itself to uplifting communities through its presence. In conjunction with the opening of these new locations, the company will donate over $10,000 to local Parks and Recreation initiatives, benefiting more than 40 children in the surrounding areas. The grand opening of the North Canton store will feature an exciting shopping spree where local youth, chosen by the Canton Parks and Recreation, will be joined by Cleveland safety Grant Delpit. His presence underscores the essential partnership between Academy and the local community, reinforcing their belief that fun and support go hand in hand.

Eric Friederich, Senior Vice President of retail operations at Academy, expressed his enthusiasm about this expansion. He highlighted, "Expanding into North Canton and Muskogee is an exciting step forward as Academy continues to grow and reach more customers across the country. Our goal is to thoughtfully extend our footprint, focusing on markets where we can build stronger connections with our customers while fostering an environment where families are encouraged to enjoy their favorite activities."

The new stores in North Canton and Muskogee are set to create approximately 120 new jobs for local residents. Prospective employees are encouraged to explore opportunities at careers.academy.com.

The 2025 fiscal year saw Academy successfully launch 24 new stores across 16 states, marking its debut in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Prior to that, in 2024, the company had already opened 16 stores in 10 states.

Each Academy store caters to the needs of families by providing a diverse range of products including apparel, footwear, sports gear, camping supplies, and fishing and hunting equipment, all from top national brands at competitive prices. Notably, Academy enhances its customer experience with complimentary services such as bike assembly, scope mounting for firearms, and propane exchange, in addition to offering hunting and fishing licenses directly in-store.

Academy also excels in providing exclusive private label brands such as Magellan Outdoors and BCG, catering to those seeking quality outdoor apparel and gear. Customers can enjoy a vast selection of athletic footwear and clothing from renowned brands such as Nike, adidas, and more, both in-store and through their online platform and mobile app.

The store encourages loyalty through the myAcademy Rewards program, which offers benefits like a $15 welcome bonus and access to exclusive deals and promotions, enhancing the shopping experience for its devoted customer base.

Academy Sports + Outdoors has established itself as a leading player in the full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation market. Founded in Texas in 1938, the retailer now boasts a network of over 300 stores spread across 21 states. Academy's mission continues to revolve around providing "Fun for All," striving to connect with consumers through tailored product offerings and localized engagement. For more insights on Academy and its offerings, visit www.academy.com.