US sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors has entered a partnership with Ariat International that will see 200 Ariat-branded shops introduced within selected Academy stores later this year.
The dedicated spaces are designed to combine Academy’s existing sporting goods and outdoor recreation offering with Ariat’s range of western and work apparel and footwear.
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Academy executive vice-president and chief merchandising officer Matt McCabe said: “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.”
Each shop will span apparel, accessories and footwear, with Western boots, denim and workwear among the categories included, according to the statement.
Through the collaboration, Ariat’s product line-up is expected to become more widely accessible to customers across Academy’s store network.
Ariat International sales vice-president Sharon Carpenter added: “We are 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.”
The announcement follows news last week that Academy Sports + Outdoors intends to open nine additional stores this quarter across multiple US states, building on the recent launch of two new outlets in Ohio and Texas.
In a separate development, Academy Sports + Outdoors also formed a partnership with Instacart earlier this month to offer same-day delivery via the Instacart Marketplace.
Under that arrangement, Instacart customers will be able to browse Academy’s product categories, along with the retailer’s private label brands.
