Academy + Outdoors Lays Off 100 Employee At Katy HQ

KATY, TX — Academy Sports + Outdoors announced Thursday they were layoffing for 100 employees at the Katy-based headquarters.

The Texas-based sporting goods retailer said in a statement that the layoffs, which came on the corporate level, were needed for greater efficiency and were part of a strategic reorganization to remain competitive in the local sporting goods market.

“Our passion for what we do and for what we offer customers is the driving force behind our constant push for improvement,” said Academy President and CEO J.K. Symancyk in a statement Thursday. “Today’s changes, while difficult, will create a more nimble and collaborative organization that will better serve our stores and the changing needs of our customers.”

Officials didn’t elaborate on which positions were affected, but said these were not customer

The Houston area sporting goods landscape has seen significant changes over the last year when Sports Authority and Gander Mountain both filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, and closed stores in Houston,and nationwide.

Dick’s Sporting Goods began filling that vacuum opening six stores in Houston in 2016, with as many as 25 more stores planned in the Houston area by 2021, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Other major sports and outdoor retailers in Houston include REI, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop.

Academy Sports + Outdoors employs approximately 23,000 people in more than 230 stores in 16 states in the central and eastern United States, according to the Academy Sports + Outdoors website.

The displaced employees will receive a transition package, KPRC reported.

Image: Shutterstock

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