Academy Sports and Outdoors restarting new store growth; will enter new markets
Academy Sports and Outdoors is once again in expansion mode.
The sporting goods retailer plans to open at least eight stores in 2022, including fill in locations in existing markets in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas. Academy will also expand its footprint into two new states: Virginia and West Virginia.
The new openings will grow Academy's existing store count to 267 locations and expand its reach to 18 states. The retailer also is evaluating additional locations for stores that could also open in 2022.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to begin a chapter of growth with new stores this year, making shopping with us more convenient than ever in existing markets and providing new customers with the best assortment of sports apparel, footwear, equipment and outdoor gear," said Michael P. Mullican, executive VP and CFO. "We have built a strong foundation of stores by being a fun destination that fuels sports, hobbies, and outdoor adventures."
Academy’s 2022 openings include:
- Atlanta, spring;
- Lexington, Ky., summer;
- Panama City, Fla., summer;
- Atlanta, summer;
- Richmond, Va., summer;
- Houston, fall/winter;
- Huntington, West Va., fall/winter; and
- Jeffersonville, Ind., fall/winter.
Founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy was acquired by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in 2011. It filed to go public in 2020.