Academy Sports + Outdoors ends 2023 expansion with seven new stores in November

Academy Sports + Outdoors is continuing its expansion efforts as it eyes opening 120 to 140 new stores by the end of 2027.

The sporting goods and outdoor recreation opened seven new stores across five different states in November, completing its fiscal 2023 store expansion plans. For the full year, Academy opened a total of 14 locations, for a total of 282 stores across 18 states. 

In November, Academy opened stores in the following markets: Tampa Bay, Fla.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Austin, Tex.; West Palm Beach, Fla., Christiansburg, Va., Harlingen, Tex.; and Springfield, Ill.

Academy’s merchandise assortment include apparel, footwear, sports and camping equipment, hunting and fishing gear and more, from both national and exclusive private label brands. The retailer also 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.

"Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to provide even more customers with a localized assortment that meets the needs of active families in these new communities," said Sam Johnson, president of Academy Sports + Outdoors. "With the growth of these new stores and academy.com, Academy is able to help more customers have fun out there and be the destination for low prices and gifts that create lasting family memories."

Academy’s store openings were marked by giving more than $40,000 in total to local community organizations. Each location celebrated its grand opening with exclusive deals and giveaways, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and more fun for the entire family.

In October, Academy said that Sam Johnson, the chain’s executive VP of retail operations, had been appointed president, succeeding Michael Mullican, who stepped down to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. 

In another promotion, Academy elevated Eric Freiderich to senior VP of retail operations, succeeding Johnson as the head of store operations.