Are you curious about the expansive footprint of Academy Sports + Outdoors across the United States? It's a great question, as their presence has been steadily growing! Let's dive into the details of how many stores Academy Sports + Outdoors currently operates and their exciting plans for the future.
Step 1: Discovering Academy's Current Store Count ️
Have you ever wondered just how many Academy Sports + Outdoors stores are out there? As of Q1 Fiscal Year 2025 (which ended May 4, 2025), Academy Sports + Outdoors has 303 stores! That's a significant number, showcasing their widespread presence across the country.
It's worth noting that this number is dynamic, as they are actively opening new locations.
This milestone was recently highlighted as they surpassed the 300-store mark with their first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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| How Many Stores Does Academy Sports And Outdoors Have |
Step 2: Tracing Their Recent Growth Trajectory
Academy Sports + Outdoors isn't just maintaining its presence; it's actively expanding. Understanding their growth in recent years helps illustrate their ambitious strategy.
Sub-heading: Fiscal Year 2024 (ended February 1, 2025) in Review
In Fiscal Year 2024, Academy Sports + Outdoors opened a total of 16 new stores across 10 different states. This included their first locations in Ohio, further diversifying their geographic reach. By the end of FY 2024, they had a total of 298 stores.
Sub-heading: Fiscal Year 2023 Performance
Prior to that, in Fiscal Year 2023, they opened 14 new stores across 6 different states. This consistent growth demonstrates a clear strategy to increase their market share.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Step 3: Unveiling Future Expansion Plans
Academy Sports + Outdoors has a robust growth strategy in place, with significant expansion planned for the coming years.
Sub-heading: Fiscal Year 2025 Projections
For Fiscal Year 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors plans to open a total of 20 to 25 new stores. This is an aggressive expansion, aiming to continue increasing their store base.
During Q1 Fiscal Year 2025, they already opened 5 new stores, contributing to their current total of 303. These included their initial forays into Pennsylvania and Maryland, bringing their total state count to 21.
They are focusing on a mix of legacy, existing, and new markets, with a particular emphasis on untapped territories.
Sub-heading: Long-Term Vision
Looking even further ahead, Academy Sports + Outdoors has a long-term goal to significantly increase its store count. They envision the potential to operate over 800 stores nationwide and plan to open 160-180 new stores in the next five years. This highlights their belief in continued physical retail expansion alongside their digital presence.
Their strategy includes focusing on smaller and mid-sized markets, which they believe offer a lower volume but higher profit opportunity.
Each new store is estimated to require $4 million to $5 million in capital to open, with a year-one sales target of $12 million to $16 million.
Step 4: Understanding Their Market Footprint and Strategy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is strategically expanding its presence beyond its traditional Southern U.S. roots.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Sub-heading: States Served
Currently, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates in 21 states across the United States. These states include:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland (new in FY25)
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio (new in FY24)
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania (new in FY25)
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Sub-heading: Strategic Initiatives for Growth
Beyond just opening new stores, Academy Sports + Outdoors is implementing several key initiatives to support its growth:
Localized Merchandising: They focus on providing a localized assortment with top brands at competitive prices, aiming to connect strongly with a broad range of consumers.
Brand Expansion: They are continuously expanding their brand offerings, such as the recent launch of the Jordan Brand in 145 stores and online in April 2025, along with an expanded Nike assortment.
Omnichannel Experience: The company is working to streamline its omnichannel shopping experience, aiming to increase e-commerce penetration while supporting their physical stores.
Targeting New Markets: Their expansion into states like Pennsylvania and Maryland signifies their commitment to reaching new geographic territories and becoming a go-to destination for sporting goods and outdoor recreation.
Step 5: Why This Growth Matters to You
This consistent expansion means increased accessibility to Academy Sports + Outdoors products and services for more communities. Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast, a casual sports player, or simply looking for activewear, the growing number of stores makes it easier to find what you need.
It also indicates a strong and confident business that is investing in its future, potentially leading to more competitive pricing, a wider variety of products, and improved customer experiences as they refine their operations with each new opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Find the Nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors Store?
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
You can easily find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store by visiting their official website and using their store locator tool, typically found in the main navigation or footer. You can enter your zip code or city and state to get a list of nearby locations.
How to Shop Online at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To shop online, simply go to the Academy Sports + Outdoors website (academy.com). You can browse by category, search for specific products, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout for delivery to your home or for in-store pickup.
How to Apply for a Job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the "Careers" section on the Academy Sports + Outdoors official website. There, you'll find job openings, information about their company culture, and instructions on how to apply online for various positions, both in-store and corporate.
How to Return an Item to Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Academy Sports + Outdoors generally has a flexible return policy. You can typically return items in-store with your receipt or proof of purchase, or by mail following the instructions provided on their website under their "Returns" or "Customer Service" section.
How to Get Deals and Discounts at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Sign up for their email newsletter, check their weekly ads on their website, follow their social media channels, and look for seasonal sales events. They also often have a "Clearance" section online and in-store.
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
How to Use the Academy Sports + Outdoors App?
Download the Academy Sports + Outdoors app from your device's app store (iOS or Android). The app allows you to browse products, check store availability, manage your account, view your loyalty rewards, and often provides exclusive app-only deals.
How to Find Out About New Store Openings?
Keep an eye on Academy Sports + Outdoors' official press releases (often found in their "Investor Relations" section of their website) and local news outlets in areas where they are expanding. They often announce new store openings well in advance.
How to Contact Academy Sports + Outdoors Customer Service?
You can contact their customer service through their website's "Contact Us" page, which usually provides a phone number, email address, and sometimes a live chat option.
How to Check Gift Card Balance for Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Most gift cards have a dedicated section on the retailer's website where you can enter the gift card number and PIN to check the balance. Alternatively, you can inquire about the balance in-store or by calling their customer service number.
How to Learn About Academy Sports + Outdoors' Community Involvement?
Academy Sports + Outdoors often highlights its community involvement and partnerships on its corporate website or in its "About Us" section. This can include sponsorships, charitable initiatives, and local event participation.
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