The Athens City Council has approved an economic development agreement that paves the way for a new commercial retail shopping center on the southern end of Braly Boulevard near I-65 and U.S. 72, according to online reports.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Likely to Anchor Development
The shopping center is expected to include Academy Sports + Outdoors, one of the largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers in the United States. The company offers a wide range of hunting, fishing, and camping equipment, as well as sports and leisure products, apparel, and footwear.
Company Background
Headquartered in Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Academy has grown significantly over the past several decades. The company operates 301 stores across 21 states and has seen impressive sales milestones, reaching $1 billion in 2003, $2 billion in 2007, $3 billion in 2012, $4 billion in 2014, and $6.4 billion in fiscal 2022.
What This Means for Athens
This development is expected to bring more shopping options and economic growth to the southern end of Braly Boulevard. Residents and visitors can look forward to having a major national retailer offering outdoor, sporting, and leisure products conveniently in Athens.
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