Academy hits 300 stores; expands into two East Coast states
Academy Sports + Outdoors has reached a store count milestone after expanding into new markets.
The Texas-based sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer has surpassed 300 stores after opening in York, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md. These stores mark Academy's first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, increasing the retailer's footprint to 21 states.
In addition, Academy opened a new store in Kansas City, Mo. in March, and will open another new location in Charlotte, N.C. in April.
The company plans to open a total of 20-25 new stores in its 2025 fiscal year. Last year, Academy opened a total of 16 new locations across 10 states, including its first in Ohio.
"Academy's continued new store expansion reinforces our commitment to helping more customers and communities have fun out there,” said Eric Friederich, senior VP of retail operations at Academy. “With the opening of these five new stores, we're expanding access to the best apparel, footwear, sports and camping equipment. Opening our 300th store and growing into two more states are exciting milestones, and we look forward to continuing our growth into new markets and becoming the go-to destination for customers looking for a localized assortment with the top brands at the lowest prices."
Academy stores offer apparel, footwear, sports and camping equipment, hunting and fishing gear, outdoor cooking and more from top national brands as well as the chain’s private label brands. In addition, Academy offers free services such as grill and bike assembly, scope mounting, bore sighting, line winding/spooling and propane exchange. Hunting and fishing licenses are also available to purchase in stores.
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As part of its commitment to investing in its communities, Academy is donating more than $40,000 to support over 350 children through local Boys & Girls Clubs in the five communities where its latest stores are. NFL star and Harrisburg native, Micah Parsons, joined Academy at its Harrisburg, Pa. grand opening where he took 100 local kids on a shopping spree while Pittsburgh Panthers running back, Juelz Goff, took another 100 kids on a shopping spree at the York, Pa. store.
