Academy Sports + Outdoors again ranked third in the Houston Chronicle’s list of the 100 Top Private Companies in Houston.
Academy CEO Ken Hicks, who joined the retailer as CEO in March 2018, told the Chronicle that the retailer over the last year has expanded apparel and footwear offerings with major brands such as Nike, Adidas and Columbia while enhancing its online platform with upgraded search and pay capabilities and curbside pickup. New store designs such as smaller format stores outside Dallas are also in development.
Sales began to pick up at the end of 2019 and rose 3 percent in March from a year earlier just as COVID-19 emerged. Adding curbside has benefited the company during the pandemic. He added, “It also differentiates us from some of the online players.”
Hicks said Academy has seen an uptick in cycling and fitness equipment sales as people stay at home. Fishing gear, especially rods and reel combos, have also been strong for Academy. Hicks said, “Academy has historically performed well in those stressful times, be they the 2008 recession, (Hurricane) Harvey and COVID-19.”
The Top 10 private companies in Houston are:
- Calpine Corp.
- Gulf States Toyota
- Academy Sports
- Landry’s
- Ascend Performance Materials
- G&A Partners
- David Weekley Homes
- Smith & Associates
- Mustang Cat
- S&B
Photo courtesy Academy Sports + Outdoors
