Academy Sports + Outdoors has surpassed 300 stores across 21 states as of March 2025, and they have plans for continued expansion.
How Many Academy Sports Are There? A Deep Dive into Their Growth!
Have you ever wondered just how many Academy Sports + Outdoors stores are out there, ready to equip you for your next adventure or sporting endeavor? You're not alone! It's a common question, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers across the Southern and Eastern United States. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the impressive footprint of this beloved retailer!
Step 1: Let's Get Started! - Understanding Academy's Reach
First things first, let's nail down the core answer: Academy Sports + Outdoors has surpassed the significant milestone of 300 stores. This isn't just a static number, though; it's a dynamic figure that reflects their continuous growth and expansion. As of March 2025, they've reached this impressive count, extending their presence across 21 states.
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| How Many Academy Sports Are There |
1.1. A Quick Historical Glimpse
Academy Sports + Outdoors didn't just pop up overnight. It was originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas. From its humble beginnings, it has steadily grown into a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. This long history highlights their deep understanding of the market and commitment to their customers.
Step 2: Tracing Their Footprint - Where Are These Stores Located?
Academy Sports + Outdoors primarily focuses its operations in the Southern and Eastern regions of the United States. Their strategic expansion has seen them solidify their presence in many states, becoming a go-to destination for everything from athletic apparel and footwear to hunting, fishing, and camping gear.
2.1. States with Academy Sports Presence
As of their most recent announcements, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates in the following states:
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
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 they are actively expanding into new territories, bringing their localized merchandising strategy to more communities.
Step 3: The Growth Trajectory - Understanding Their Expansion Strategy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is not content with its current number of stores; they have a clear and ambitious growth strategy. Their expansion is a testament to their commitment to providing "Fun for All" by making sporting goods and outdoor recreation accessible to a wider audience.
3.1. Recent Expansion Highlights
Fiscal Year 2023: Academy opened a total of 14 new stores across 6 different states.
Fiscal Year 2024: Their expansion efforts resulted in opening 16 new stores across 10 different states, including their first locations in Ohio.
Fiscal Year 2025 (Planned): Academy plans to open 20-25 new stores. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, they opened their first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, adding to their state count. These new stores include locations in York, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md., along with a new store in Kansas City, Mo., and another planned for Charlotte, N.C.
This consistent and planned growth shows a robust business model and a keen eye on market opportunities. They are actively seeking to serve more customers and communities, reinforcing their position as a leading retailer in their niche.
Step 4: Why the Expansion? - The Driving Force Behind Their Growth
The continued expansion of Academy Sports + Outdoors is driven by several key factors. Understanding these helps us appreciate their strategic approach to business.
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4.1. Commitment to "Fun for All"
Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All." By opening new stores, they are expanding access to a wide assortment of apparel, footwear, sports, and camping equipment. This aligns with their core belief that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy sports and outdoor activities.
4.2. Localized Assortment and Value Proposition
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
One of Academy's strengths is its ability to offer a localized merchandising strategy. This means they tailor their product assortment to the specific needs and preferences of the communities they serve. Coupled with a strong value proposition (top brands at competitive prices), this approach resonates deeply with a broad range of consumers.
4.3. Market Opportunity and Demand
The demand for sporting goods and outdoor recreation equipment remains strong. Academy is capitalizing on this by strategically entering new markets and increasing its footprint in existing ones. Their focus on both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands allows them to cater to diverse customer segments.
Step 5: Looking Ahead - What's Next for Academy Sports?
The future looks bright for Academy Sports + Outdoors, with clear intentions for continued growth.
5.1. Continued New Store Openings
As mentioned, Academy plans to open 20-25 new stores in fiscal year 2025. This aggressive expansion plan indicates confidence in their business model and market position. These new stores are expected to create hundreds of jobs in their local communities, further contributing to economic growth.
5.2. Enhancing the Customer Experience
Beyond physical store expansion, Academy is also focused on improving the omnichannel experience. This means seamlessly integrating their in-store and online offerings to provide customers with convenient shopping options, such as 1-hour pick-up and same-day delivery. They are also investing in new brands and leveraging customer data more effectively to enhance their offerings.
FAQs: Your Quick Answers About Academy Sports!
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Here are 10 common questions about Academy Sports + Outdoors, with quick and concise answers:
How to find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store?
You can easily find the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors store by using the store locator tool on their official website (academy.com). Simply enter your city, state, or zip code.
How to apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors, visit the "Careers" section on their official website. You can search for openings by location, department, or job title.
How to return an item to Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can return items to Academy Sports + Outdoors either in-store or by mail. Check their return policy on their website for specific requirements regarding receipts, packaging, and return windows.
How to track an order from Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can track your online order by logging into your myAcademy account or by using the order tracking link provided in your confirmation email on their website.
How to get discounts at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Look out for weekly ads, clearance sales, and special promotions on their website and in-store. Signing up for their email list or the myAcademy program often provides exclusive discounts and offers.
How to contact Academy Sports + Outdoors customer service?
You can contact Academy Sports + Outdoors customer service via phone, email, or live chat through the "Customer Service" section on their website.
How to check the stock of an item at a specific Academy Sports store?
On the product page on academy.com, you can usually select "Check Store Availability" to see if a specific item is in stock at your local store.
How to get a fishing or hunting license at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Many Academy Sports + Outdoors locations offer fishing and hunting license services directly in-store. Check with your local store or their website for details specific to your state.
How to use Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards?
Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards can be used for purchases both online at academy.com and in any of their physical store locations.
How to stay updated on new Academy Sports + Outdoors store openings?
Follow Academy Sports + Outdoors on their official social media channels and subscribe to their email newsletters. They frequently announce new store openings and expansion plans through these platforms.
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