Academy Sports + Outdoors to open 13 to 15 stores in 2023; new locations include…
Academy Sports + Outdoors continues to enter new markets as part of its expansion strategy.
The sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer will open its first two locations in Greater Indianapolis this fall, with stores in Westfield-Carmel and Avon. Academy, one of Chain Store Age’s 2023 Breakout Retailers, plans to open 13 to 15 stores this year, and a total of 120 to 140 new stores by the end of 2027.
The approximately 75,000-sq.-ft. Westfield-Carmel store will be Academy's fifth in Indiana, while the approximately 60,000-sq.-ft. Avon store will be Academy's sixth in the state. Academy opened a new location in Lafayette, Ind. earlier this year.
In addition to a wide range of sports and outdoors products from top brands and Academy's private label brands, the company’s new stores will offer a wide suite of in-store services that include free assembly on grills and bikes, scope mounting, bore sighting, line winding/spooling, and the ability to purchase hunting and fishing licenses.
To help kickstart its growth in Indianapolis, Academy has signed a multi-year deal to serve as a Proud Partner of the Indianapolis Colts. With the partnership, Academy and the Colts will collaborate on fun community events, social media, digital content, and more to enhance both the fan and customer experience.
"Academy Sports + Outdoors is thrilled to become a member of the Indianapolis community and a partner of the Indianapolis Colts. Whether customers are cheering on the Colts, gearing up for fall sports, taking advantage of Indy's running and biking trails, prepping for deer season, or heading to the lake, Academy will soon be the destination for all things sports and outdoors," said Lawrence Lobpries, Academy Sports + Outdoors' chief marketing officer.
Academy aims to empower, encourage, and connect with its communities and schools through local efforts that involve sports programming, field and stream activities, and military and first responder organizations. Through these programs, Academy motivates community members to try new things, promotes safety in sports and outdoors, and ultimately builds connections that make a positive impact in the area, the company said.
Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 269 stores across 18 states.