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Academy Sports + Outdoors will launch 200 Ariat in-store shops this fall across its locations. The Texas-based retailer announced the new retail spaces will showcase an expanded selection of Ariat apparel, accessories, and footwear, tailored to each store location. Matt McCabe, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Academy, said the companies built a "highly visual" space featuring branded walls, fixtures, and tables. Sharon Carpenter, vice president of sales for Ariat International, noted Academy has been a retail partner for 20 years. The announcement follows Academy's recent store expansion plans. The company opened seven new stores in 2026 and aims to open 20 to 25 locations this fiscal year, bringing its total to over 300 stores nationwide.

Ariat to open shops across 200 Academy sports stores this fall. Ariat has been working with Academy for 20 years. August 25, 2026, 12:19pm On Tuesday, the Texas-based retailer said it would launch 200 Ariat in-store shops this fall. These new spaces will be tailored to each store location and will showcase an expanded assortment of Ariat apparel and accessories, as well as footwear, Academy said. Matt McCabe, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Academy, said in a statement that the two companies have built a "highly visual" space that showcases branded walls, fixtures, tables, and features within an area where "shoppers can check out what's new, pick up their Ariat favorites, and prepare for more fun outdoors." Sharon Carpenter, vice president of sales for Ariat International, added in a statement that Academy has been a retail partner for the brand for 20 years. "We're excited to expand our partnership by bringing Academy shoppers even more of the products they love," Carpenter said. You May also Like. The news comes a week after Academy said has opened two new stores in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Kerrville, Texas; and will open nine additional locations this quarter in Celina, Texas; McAlester, Okla.; Lacy Lakeview, Texas; Fayetteville, Ga.; Roanoke, Va.; Statesboro, Ga.; Granbury, Texas; Millington, Tenn.; and Fairview, Texas. To date, Academy has opened seven new stores in 2026, with plans to open a total of 20 to 25 new locations this fiscal year. The company now has more than 300 locations nationwide. For years now, Academy continues to open new stores to expand its base across legacy, existing, and new markets. This has resulted in the opening of more than 60 new locations since 2022 including 24 new stores across 16 states in 2025, including its first locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania and 16 new stores across 10 different states in 2024. As for Ariat, the performance footwear and clothing brand recently inked a deal for its work division to be an official partner of Cleveland Browns, including being the official workwear of the team's home stadium Huntington Bank Field, and presenting partner of the Cleveland Browns grounds crew. As part of this deal, Ariat Work will outfit the Browns grounds crew in work boots and clothing. Ariat Work will also provide the Browns construction crews with the best gear for the job, the company said. Daily Headlines You May Like

Academy Sports + Outdoors and Ariat International expand partnership with 200 new in-store shops this fall. Aug 25, 2026, 09:00 ET Companies will broaden access to work and western wear in select Academy locations KATY, Texas, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Academy Sports + Outdoors ("Academy") (Nasdaq: ASO), a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, today announced it has teamed up with Ariat International, the leader in innovative Western and work apparel and footwear, to launch 200 Ariat in-store shops this fall. These new spaces offer an immersive experience, bringing together Academy's value-driven approach with Ariat's Western and work collections. Tailored to each store, the spaces make it easy for customers to explore an expanded assortment of Ariat apparel and accessories, as well as footwear, designed to inspire their next adventure or workday. "We're excited to bring customers a new way to experience Ariat at Academy. Customers trust us to offer great value without jeopardizing quality and style, and we are proud to expand the availability of Ariat gear in-stores and online at Academy.com," said Matt McCabe, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. "Together, we've built a highly visual endeavor that showcases branded walls, fixtures, tables, and features within a space where shoppers can check out what's new, pick up their Ariat favorites, and prepare for more fun outdoors." Academy and Ariat are both growing companies and these new in-store experiences give customers even greater access to Ariat's most sought-after footwear and apparel - from authentic Western boots and premium denim to workwear engineered for comfort, durability, and performance. "For 20 years, Academy has been an incredible partner, helping Ariat reach more customers and grow our brand. We're excited to expand our partnership by bringing Academy shoppers even more of the products they love. With industry-leading comfort, fit, and performance, Ariat delivers the quality Academy customers can rely on every day," said Sharon Carpenter, Vice President of Sales for Ariat International. About Academy Sports + Outdoors Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com. About Ariat International, Inc. Founded in 1993 as "The New Breed of Boot," Ariat was the first to integrate athletic footwear technology into boots for equestrian athletes and western riders. Today, Ariat develops innovative and award-winning performance apparel and footwear for all types of demanding work and outdoor environments. The company takes its name from Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time. Media inquiries: Meredith Klein, Vice President of Communications 346.826.6615 [email protected] SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors