I don’t know if you heard, but the Super Bowl is coming to Houston next weekend! So I thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce you to a Texas sporting goods institution around here, Academy Sports + Outdoors. Let’s get started…
When I first heard we were hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet, I immediately went to Academy (hence, the sweatshirt above). Not because I don’t love Dick’s Sporting Goods, but because Academy is a Texas-based company, and I have grown quite fond of them since we moved here. The location I frequently shop is lived in, filled with families, well-stocked, and has friendly sales people. I know exactly where everything is, how much I will most likely be spending, and always end up stuck right in the middle of the store- debating whether or not to purchase fitness tanks that are on sale. And let’s be honest- I typically end up saying yes to the tanks, as most of us with a shopping addiction do.
Academy also has a ton of fishing, hunting, and camping gear (which I have never used but will one day). Along with everything your family could possibly need- from bikes and backpacks to fan must-haves, athletic apparel and equipment.
But here is the thing… There is something simple and convenient about their approach to retail, and I believe that they put their customer’s first. Many companies say that they do, but my experience with Academy is different. They have always been helpful, knowledgeable, and done so with a smile- which matters more at the end of the day (at least to me).
So whether you live here, or are just visiting, I invite you to check them out. I hope that you see what I do- a friendly environment that supplies you with exactly what your family needs for an active lifestyle. And just in case you were wondering- yes, they also have the perfect championship gear for the Super Bowl- whether you are cheering on the Falcons or the Patriots. Although, I say Go Falcons!
Lastly, below are a few fun facts on the history of the company. If you read my blog you know that this is my favorite part- learning how it all started. Please take a few minutes to read through their evolution and enjoy your Friday everyone...
Academy Tire Shop was founded in 1938 in San Antonio, Texas by Max Gochman.
A few years later Max started selling military surplus at the shop, which then led to him changing the name to Academy Super Surplus in 1945.
Max then opens an additional four stores and moves the business to Austin, TX in 1956.
In 1973, Max’s son, Arthur, then buys Southern Surplus Sales in Houston, changes the name to Academy Corp, and opens six more shops.
Arthur moves the corporate offices to Houston in 1978.
Fishing, camping, sporting goods, and athletic brands are all added into the assortment during the 1980’s.
Academy exits the military surplus business in 1991.
They then change their name to Academy Sports + Outdoors in 1995.
The 50th store location opens and sales reach $1 billion in 2000.
In 2011, KKR purchases the company and launches their current website- academy.com.
As of today, the company operates 225 stores across 16 states in the US, with over 25k employees.
