Academy, Bass Pro Announce Expansions

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a big-box chain that offers sporting goods that include firearms, ammunition and accessories, will soon be launching its first two locations in Tampa Bay, Fla. Expected opening dates are late this year and early in 2023. Once complete the firm will have 15 Florida outlets.

“Tampa Bay is not only known for its enthusiastic sports fanbase but also boasts renowned fishing, beaches and outdoor activities,” said Sam Johnson, Academy’s executive vice president of retail operations. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, hitting the bay, or heading to a Lightning game, our team is eager to serve the local community and make it easier to have fun and gear up by providing great value and unmatched service.”

Residents on the Gulf Coast aren’t the only ones to soon have new outlets coming soon. Bass Pro Shops—another chain that maintains an inventory of guns and gear—released plans last month to open a new 140,000-square-foot superstore in Irvine, Calif. It will join the company’s Rancho Cucamonga location in serving Southern California.

“We are tremendously excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Irvine Company to bring our next generation Outdoor World store to Irvine,” said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. “There is no stronger company to work with in the region focused on the outdoor, coastal lifestyle and conservation.”

Bass Pro Shops, headquartered in Missouri, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It grew from an eight-square-foot selection of fishing gear in the corner of a liquor store to today’s retail powerhouse with nearly 200 outlets across North America. More than 200 million people go through their doors annually.

Academy Sports + Outdoors was established in 1938. The Texas-based company now has over 250 stores across the nation.