Academy Sports + Outdoors partners with Fanatics, L.L. Bean
Academy Sports + Outdoors is extending its in-store and online assortment in collaboration with two well-known athletic and outdoor brands.
The retailer is teaming up with global digital sports platform Fanatics and Maine-based outdoor retailer L.L. Bean to expand its inventory. The partnerships allow Academy to leverage Fanatics' licensed sports inventory, which includes a broad selection of fan apparel, jerseys, headwear, and novelty items from brands such as Fanatics, Nike, adidas, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and WinCraft.
In fall 2023, Academy will begin offering Fanatics merchandise featuring teams and players from various leagues and sports properties, starting with NCAA and expanding into other leagues as their seasons approach. In addition, Academy customers now have access to L.L.Bean products including polos, backpacks, men's and women's apparel, and its signature Bean Boots.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to partner with Fanatics to expand out our licensed sports assortment and provide our customers with an even better selection of gear to show off their team pride," said Matt McCabe, Academy Sports + Outdoors chief merchandising officer. "Sports fans know they can rely on Academy for the best gear and prices. By teaming up with Fanatics, our customers will be able to browse an even wider assortment to make sure every member of the family has the gear they want at the right price. "And by adding L.L.Bean to our in-store and online assortment, we're growing the opportunity for more customers to get outside and have more fun."
"Fanatics is excited to provide an incredible selection of high-quality fan gear from our leading product catalogue to Academy customers, whether they are shopping online or at stores," said Gary Gertzog, Fanatics president of business affairs. "We're committed to providing robust assortments of timely products to fans across all channels, and this partnership will allow more fans across the country to support the teams and players they love throughout the year."
"For L.L.Bean, there is no better place to spend time and have fun than the great outdoors," said Greg Elder, L.L.Bean chief retail officer. "We are thrilled to partner with Academy Sports + Outdoors and believe this collaboration allows even greater access to our quality outdoor gear and apparel."
Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy Sports & Outdoors operates 271 stores across 18 states.
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