Are you curious about the expansive reach of Academy Sports + Outdoors? You've come to the right place! We're about to embark on a detailed exploration of Academy's current footprint and its exciting growth trajectory. Get ready to discover just how widespread this popular sporting goods retailer has become.
Step 1: Discovering the Current Footprint of Academy Sports + Outdoors
Let's kick things off by addressing the burning question: how many Academy Sports + Outdoors locations are there? As of March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates a significant number of stores.
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| How Many Academy Sports Locations |
The Latest Store Count
As of March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors proudly operates 301 stores across 21 states! This impressive figure highlights their strong presence primarily across the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the United States. They've also been actively expanding, with recent entries into new states.
Step 2: A Look at Academy's Geographic Reach
Academy Sports + Outdoors has strategically grown its presence over the years. They aren't just opening stores randomly; they're expanding into markets where they see significant potential for their diverse range of sporting goods and outdoor recreation products.
States of Operation
Academy Sports + Outdoors currently has a strong presence in the following states:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland (new in 2025!)
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio (new in 2024!)
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania (new in 2025!)
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
It's clear that their roots are deeply planted in Texas, where the company was founded, but their growth has been substantial, reaching across a wide array of states.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Step 3: Understanding Academy's Expansion Strategy
Academy Sports + Outdoors isn't resting on its laurels; the company has an ambitious growth strategy in motion, with plans to significantly increase its store count in the coming years.
Past and Future Growth
2023: Academy opened 14 new stores across six different states.
2024: They continued their expansion, adding 16 new stores in 10 different states, including their first locations in Ohio.
2025: So far in 2025, Academy has already opened 7 new stores in 6 states, notably making their debut in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The company plans to open a total of 20-25 new stores in fiscal year 2025. This demonstrates a robust and consistent expansion effort.
The retailer envisions a long-term potential to operate over 800 stores nationwide, indicating a future where Academy Sports + Outdoors could nearly triple its current footprint! This expansion focuses on both new and existing markets, with an eye on smaller and mid-sized markets that offer significant profit opportunities.
Step 4: A Glimpse into Academy's History
To truly appreciate Academy's current size and expansion, it's helpful to understand its origins.
From Tire Shop to Sporting Goods Giant
Academy Sports + Outdoors' story began in 1938 when Max Gochman opened the Academy Tire Shop in San Antonio, Texas. What started as a tire shop evolved to include military surplus goods. In the 1970s, Max's son, Arthur Gochman, transformed the business into a sporting goods retailer.
The company has consistently grown, reaching significant sales milestones over the decades and eventually becoming a publicly traded company on NASDAQ (ASO) in 2020. This rich history underscores their commitment to providing a wide range of products for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
Step 5: Why is Academy Sports + Outdoors Expanding?
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
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Academy's continued expansion is driven by several key factors aimed at strengthening its market position and serving more customers.
Key Drivers for Growth
Market Opportunity: Academy identifies markets with strong demand for sporting goods and outdoor recreation, particularly those that are currently underserved.
"Fun for All" Mission: Their mission is to make it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoors. Opening more stores helps them reach a broader customer base.
Localized Assortment: Academy often tailors its product assortment to the specific needs and preferences of the local community, which resonates well with customers and drives sales.
Strong Financial Position: The company's solid financial health and cash flow allow for significant investment in new store development.
Omnichannel Strategy: New stores also complement their e-commerce business, providing more options for in-store pickup, returns, and a hands-on shopping experience.
Step 6: Finding an Academy Sports + Outdoors Location Near You
Now that you know how many locations there are and where they operate, finding one near you is easy!
Utilizing the Store Locator
The most straightforward way to find an Academy Sports + Outdoors store is by using their official website's store locator tool.
Visit the Academy Sports + Outdoors website.
Look for a "Store Locator" or "Find a Store" link, usually found in the header or footer of the page.
Enter your city, state, or zip code into the search bar.
The locator will display nearby stores, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. Many also provide directions and details on in-store services.
You can also use popular mapping applications like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze by searching for "Academy Sports + Outdoors" to find the closest location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Academy Sports + Outdoors locations:
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How to find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
You can find the nearest store by using the "Store Locator" on the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website or by searching on mapping apps like Google Maps.
How to check Academy Sports + Outdoors store hours?
Once you find a store using the store locator, its specific operating hours will be listed on its individual store page.
How to know if a new Academy Sports + Outdoors store is opening in my area?
Keep an eye on Academy's official press releases, news sections on their corporate website, and local news outlets for announcements of new store openings.
How to apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the "Careers" section on the Academy Sports + Outdoors corporate website to view open positions and apply online.
How to contact Academy Sports + Outdoors customer service?
You can typically find customer service contact information (phone numbers, email, or live chat) on their official website, often in the "Contact Us" section.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to return an item to Academy Sports + Outdoors without a receipt?
Academy's return policy, including procedures for returns without a receipt, is usually detailed on their website or can be inquired about at any store's customer service desk.
How to get a hunting or fishing license at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Many Academy Sports + Outdoors locations offer services for purchasing hunting and fishing licenses directly in-store. Inquire at the customer service counter.
How to use curbside pickup at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
If available, curbside pickup options will be presented during the online checkout process. You'll typically receive instructions via email or text when your order is ready for pickup.
How to find out which brands Academy Sports + Outdoors carries?
You can browse their website by category or brand, or visit a store to see the extensive range of national and private label brands they offer.
How to get updates on Academy Sports + Outdoors sales and promotions?
Sign up for their email newsletter, follow their social media channels, or check their website regularly for current sales, promotions, and weekly ads.
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