Academy Sports + Outdoors to Expand Presence in Illinois

Peoria, Ill., is the next stop for Academy Sports + Outdoors as the sporting goods retailer will open its newest location this summer.

The forthcoming 60,000-square foot store doubles the company’s presence in Illinois, joining its O’Fallon location just to the east of St. Louis. The retailer’s goal for 2023 is to open 13 to 15 new stores this year, with a stretch goal of 120 to 140 new locations by the end of 2027.

"We're excited to be a new destination for the Peoria community to find everything they need to pursue their sports and outdoors passions," said Sam Johnson, Academy's executive vice president of Retail Operations. "At Academy Sports + Outdoors we deliver fun with a broad assortment of products at a great value and unmatched service that makes it easier for active families planning a day on the Illinois River, kids gearing up for summer fun, and anglers reeling in a big catch."

The location will carry a wide assortment of sports and outdoors products for customers to choose from to kickstart their fun. Academy is focused on providing the best service, experience, and value to help customers pursue the activities that they love and make new memories on any budget. The store will offer national brands along with its exclusive, private label brands such as Magellan Outdoors, Freely, R.O.W., BCG, H2OX, Mosaic, and O'Rageous, which cover outdoor apparel and equipment, women's and men's apparel, workout attire, fishing equipment, and water gear, respectively.

Academy's new store will offer convenient options, such as buy online pick-up in store service, and free shipping on most online orders over $25. Customers can also take advantage of a suite of in-store services, including free assembly on grills and bikes, fishing line winding/spooling, scope mounting, bore sighting, and the ability to purchase hunting and fishing licenses.