Academy Sports, Ariat to Open 200 Shops

Academy Sports + Outdoors is expanding its footprint with a major new retail partnership that will bring 200 dedicated Ariat shops to select stores across the United States later this year. The sporting goods retailer announced the collaboration with Ariat International, a company known for western and work apparel, as part of a broader strategy to broaden its product offerings and attract new customer segments.

Combining Outdoor Recreation with Western Wear

The new branded spaces aim to merge Academy’s existing sporting goods and outdoor recreation selection with Ariat’s specialized range of western and work-focused apparel and footwear. Each shop will span multiple categories, including apparel, accessories, and footwear, with Western boots, denim, and workwear forming the core of the product mix. The arrangement represents a notable expansion for Ariat, whose products will become more widely accessible to customers across Academy’s store network.

“Together, we have built a highly visual endeavour that showcases branded walls, fixtures, tables, and features within a space where shoppers can check out what’s new, pick up their Ariat favourites, and prepare for more fun outdoors,” said Matt McCabe, Academy’s executive vice-president and chief merchandising officer.

Sharon Carpenter, Ariat International’s sales vice-president, echoed that sentiment in the announcement. “We are excited to expand our partnership by bringing Academy shoppers even more of the products they love,” she said. “With industry-leading comfort, fit, and performance, Ariat delivers the quality Academy customers can rely on every day.”

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Store Expansion Continues Amid Partnership

For customers in areas where these shops appear, the arrangement could mean shorter drives to find quality workwear and western footwear without needing to visit a specialty retailer. The shops are designed to function as standalone destinations within Academy stores, with dedicated fixtures and visual displays that set them apart from the surrounding merchandise.

The Ariat partnership follows recent activity by Academy to grow its physical presence. Last week, the company said it intends to open nine additional stores this quarter across multiple US states. That expansion builds on the recent launch of two new outlets in Ohio and Texas, adding to a network that serves outdoor enthusiasts and sports customers nationwide.

Academy has been actively building partnerships to strengthen its e-commerce and delivery capabilities alongside its store growth. Earlier this month, the retailer formed a separate arrangement with Instacart to offer same-day delivery through the Instacart Marketplace, allowing customers to browse Academy’s full product categories, including private label brands, and receive items within hours.