Sporting goods store Academy Sports + Outdoors is in the early stages of opening a store in Chesterfield, following a Short Pump location, shown here, that opened about a year and a half ago. (BizSense file)
A big-box chain of sporting goods stores appears to have its eye on a new outpost in the region after entering the market here in 2022.
Academy Sports + Outdoors is looking to take over the 63,000-square-foot anchor space at the Pocono Crossing shopping center in Midlothian, according to a building permit filed with Chesterfield County.
That storefront at 10400 Midlothian Turnpike formerly was occupied by a Burlington store, which has relocated to 11609 Midlothian Turnpike in the Towne Crossing shopping center, according to a recent Burlington news release.
The anticipated opening date of the upcoming Academy store was unclear. Academy spokespeople didn’t respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The Chesterfield store would be Academy’s second location in the region, following its opening in summer 2022 at 11861 W. Broad St. in The Corner at Short Pump.
Burlington has relocated the store that previously operated at 10400 Midlothian Turnpike. The space at Pocono Crossing is being eyed by Academy Sports + Outdoors. (Jack Jacobs photo)
Other tenants at Pocono Crossing include Chuck E. Cheese, Hong Kong King Buffet, Blue Streak Liquidation and Boost Mobile. The center’s outparcels are occupied by Kickback Jack’s and a Whistle Express Car Wash location.
Based in Texas, Academy carries a range of clothing, shoes, equipment and gear for sports and outdoor activities such as fishing and camping. It sells products from Nike, Yeti, The North Face and others, and in-house private label brands such as Magellan Outdoors, Mosaic and Freely.
In addition to retail sales, Academy locations also offer free services including grill assembly, scope mounting on firearms and fishing-rod winding. Academy locations sell hunting and fishing licenses.
The retail chain announced in late March plans to open 15 to 17 new stores in fiscal year 2024, starting with locations in North Carolina and Indiana. The announcement didn’t include details for plans in Virginia. The company has more than 280 stores in 18 states.
The Short Pump location was the brand’s first in Virginia, and since then it has added a store each in Christiansburg and Fredericksburg, according to its website.
This strip mall is on its last legs for good reason.
I cannot believe I am seeing a Chuck E Cheese on the map. Google Maps can go back in time, who knew?
As a Bon Air resident, I’m glad to see some competition for Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has always lacked for customer service. Just try to get someone to open a changing room. This is right down the street. Let’s do hope however that the property owner sees this as an opportunity to update the facade and parking area with some beautification. It’s old and out of character for the area.