As of March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates 301 stores across 21 states in the United States. They have been actively expanding, recently surpassing the 300-store milestone with new locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
How Many Stores Does Academy Sports + Outdoors Have in the US? A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! Ever found yourself wondering just how widespread Academy Sports + Outdoors is across the United States? It's a question many of us ponder, especially when we're looking for that perfect piece of gear or the latest athletic apparel. Well, you're in luck because we're about to embark on a detailed journey to uncover the impressive reach of this leading retailer. Get ready to explore its history, growth, and current footprint, complete with a step-by-step guide on how you can stay updated on its expansion!
Step 1: Engage with the Academy Sports + Outdoors Universe
Before we dive into the numbers, let's take a moment to appreciate what Academy Sports + Outdoors truly represents. It's more than just a store; it's a destination for "Fun for All." Think about it – whether you're a seasoned angler, a budding soccer star, a camping enthusiast, or simply looking for comfortable activewear, Academy aims to be your one-stop shop. What's your favorite thing to buy at Academy Sports + Outdoors? Share your thoughts!
This company, originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, has grown significantly, evolving from a military surplus store to a full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer. Its mission is deeply rooted in providing a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that resonates with a broad range of consumers across the South, Southeast, and Midwest.
| How Many Stores Does Academy Sports Have In The Us |
Step 2: Unveiling the Current Store Count
So, let's get straight to the primary question: how many stores does Academy Sports + Outdoors have in the US?
Sub-heading: The Latest Figures
As of March 7, 2025, Academy Sports + Outdoors has 301 stores operating across 21 states in the United States. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as they recently surpassed the 300-store mark.
Sub-heading: Recent Expansion Highlights
Academy has been on a strategic growth path. For instance, in March 2025, they celebrated a major expansion by opening their first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. These openings, along with new stores in Kansas City, Missouri, and Charlotte, North Carolina, pushed their total store count past 300 and expanded their presence into two new states.
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In 2023, Academy opened 14 new stores across 6 different states. In 2024, their expansion efforts resulted in 16 new stores across 10 different states, including their first locations in Ohio.
This consistent expansion underscores their commitment to reaching more customers and communities, reinforcing their mission of providing "Fun for All."
Step 3: Understanding Academy's Geographic Footprint ️
Academy Sports + Outdoors primarily focuses its operations within specific regions of the U.S.
Sub-heading: Core Operating Regions
Their stores are predominantly found throughout the South, Southeast, and Midwest. This strategic geographic focus allows them to tailor their product offerings and services to the specific needs and interests of these communities, often emphasizing outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and traditional sports popular in these areas.
Sub-heading: States with Academy Stores
While they continue to expand into new states, their current presence includes:
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
This broad distribution within these regions ensures that a large segment of the U.S. population has access to their wide array of sporting goods and outdoor equipment.
Step 4: Delving into Their Product Assortment and Strategy ⚽️
Academy's growth isn't just about opening more stores; it's also about a well-defined product and merchandising strategy.
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Sub-heading: Diverse Product Categories
Their product assortment is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and activities, focusing on key categories such as:
Outdoor: This includes hunting, fishing, camping equipment, and related gear.
Apparel: A variety of athletic and casual wear for all ages.
Sports & Recreation: Gear and equipment for team sports, individual activities, and recreational pursuits.
Footwear: Athletic shoes, casual shoes, and outdoor-specific footwear.
They stock both leading national brands and a growing portfolio of their private label brands, such as Magellan Outdoors (for outdoor gear) and BCG (for athletic apparel).
Sub-heading: Localized Merchandising
One of Academy's strengths is its localized merchandising strategy. This means that the product offerings in a store in Florida might differ slightly from a store in Missouri, reflecting the local interests and recreational activities popular in that specific area. This approach enhances the customer experience by ensuring relevant products are readily available.
Step 5: How to Stay Updated on Academy's Growth
Want to keep tabs on Academy Sports + Outdoors' continued expansion? Here's how:
Sub-heading: Official Company Resources
The most reliable source for up-to-date information is the official Academy Sports + Outdoors corporate website. They often have a dedicated "Our History" or "Locations" section that details their current store count, states of operation, and recent news releases regarding new store openings. Look for sections like "Investor Relations" or "About Us."
Sub-heading: News Releases and Financial Reports
Publicly traded companies like Academy Sports + Outdoors (NASDAQ: ASO) frequently issue news releases about significant milestones, including new store openings. Their quarterly and annual financial reports (available through SEC filings) also provide detailed information on their growth strategies and store count. Financial news outlets often report on these announcements as well.
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Sub-heading: Store Locator Tool
If you're looking for a specific store near you, their website typically features a store locator tool. This tool allows you to search for locations by zip code or city and state, providing addresses, hours, and contact information for individual stores.
FAQ: Your Quick Answers to Academy Sports + Outdoors Store Questions
How to find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
You can easily find the nearest store by visiting the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website and using their "Store Locator" tool, which allows you to search by zip code or city and state.
How to check if Academy Sports + Outdoors has a store in my state?
Visit the "Locations" or "About Us" section on the Academy Corporate website, where they list the states in which they operate.
How to learn about new Academy Sports + Outdoors store openings?
Keep an eye on the "News Releases" section of their corporate website or follow reputable financial news outlets that report on retail expansion.
How to apply for a job at an Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
Visit the "Careers" or "Join Our Team" section on the Academy Sports + Outdoors corporate website to browse job openings and apply online.
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How to contact Academy Sports + Outdoors customer service?
Their website usually has a "Customer Service" or "Contact Us" section with phone numbers, email addresses, and sometimes live chat options.
How to get updates on Academy Sports + Outdoors sales and promotions?
Sign up for their email newsletter on their website, follow their social media channels, or download their mobile app.
How to learn about Academy Sports + Outdoors' history?
The "Our History" or "About Us" section on their corporate website provides a detailed timeline of their development since 1938.
How to provide feedback on an Academy Sports + Outdoors store experience?
Many retailers offer customer surveys via receipts or on their website's customer service section. You can also contact their customer service directly.
How to check the stock availability of an item at an Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
You can often check in-store availability on their website when viewing a specific product, or by calling the store directly.
How to return an item to an Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
Consult their "Returns Policy" section on their website for detailed instructions, including requirements for receipts and packaging.