Academy Sports

    Leading sporting goods retailer with 301 stores across 21 states offering vendor partnerships

    Headquarters:Katy, TX
    Academy logo featuring a stylized outdoor adventure design with prominent mountain imagery and a vibrant color palette
    5.93BLatest US Revenue
    5.93BLatest Worldwide Revenue
    301Number of US Stores
    Multi-State Distribution Network
    Multi-State Distribution Network Academy Sports operates three major distribution centers in Katy TX, Jeffersonville GA, and Cookeville TN, serving 301 stores across 21 states with efficient inventory management and rapid product deployment.
    Direct-to-Store & Drop-Ship Options Vendors can utilize Academy's direct-to-store fulfillment for immediate retail availability or drop-ship programs for expanded product reach without inventory investment.
    Direct-to-Store & Drop-Ship Options
    EDI-Integrated Logistics Academy's EDI system processes 810, 850, 855, 856, 860, and 997 documents through SPS Commerce integration, enabling automated order processing and real-time shipment tracking.
    EDI-Integrated Logistics

    Academy Sports Vendor Requirements Product Liability & Insurance

    Academy Sports policies and guidelines
    Comprehensive vendor policies covering compliance, labeling, and operational standards for Academy Sports partnerships.
    Product Liability & Insurance

    Minimum product liability insurance coverage required with yearly certificate updates

    Risk management compliance through dedicated risk.management@academy.com contact

    Comprehensive coverage for all products sold through Academy Sports channels

    Carton Labeling & EDI Standards

    GS1-128 labels required on all cartons placed on bottom right corner of largest panel

    EDI documents (810, 850, 855, 856, 860, 997) processed through SPS Commerce partnership

    ASN notifications must be sent immediately when merchandise leaves vendor dock

    Packaging & Shipping Requirements

    48"x40" GMA four-way hardwood pallets with 5/8" thick slats for LTL shipments

    Maximum pallet height of 96 inches with multiple POs per pallet acceptable

    Mixed SKUs only allowed for Pre-Mark and Direct-to-Store orders, not bulk DC orders

    Vendor Application Process

    Complete Academy Sports vendor application with business documentation, product samples, and company credentials through their vendor portal system.

    Vendor Application Process

    Complete Academy Sports vendor application with business documentation, product samples, and company credentials through their vendor portal system.

    Product Evaluation & Approval

    Submit products for Academy's merchandising team evaluation, meet quality standards, and align with their localized product assortment strategy.

    EDI & System Integration

    Establish EDI connectivity through SPS Commerce, configure GS1-128 labeling systems, and complete technical integration testing.

    Operational Launch & Support

    Begin product shipments to Academy's distribution centers, establish ongoing vendor support relationships, and optimize supply chain performance.

    Performance Monitoring

    Academy Sports tracks vendor performance through EDI compliance, on-time delivery metrics, product quality standards, and customer satisfaction measures to ensure optimal retail partnerships.

    Performance Monitoring

    Training & Resources

    Successful Academy Sports vendors optimize operations through proper EDI document flow, accurate labeling compliance, efficient distribution center relationships, and proactive communication.

    Training & Resources

    Integrations

    SPS Commerce EDI Platform

    Academy Sports partners with SPS Commerce to manage EDI transactions including 810, 850, 855, 856, 860, and 997 documents for automated vendor communications.

    Three-Hub Distribution Network

    Strategic distribution centers in Katy TX, Jeffersonville GA, and Cookeville TN provide comprehensive coverage for Academy's 301 stores across 21 states.

    Oracle Transportation Management

    OTM system allows suppliers to view open purchase orders, create shipments for pickup, and manage logistics coordination with Academy's transportation network.

    Resources

    Access comprehensive resources and tools

    Portals

    Academy Vendor Portal

    Comprehensive vendor management system

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    Corporate Information Hub

    Company information and corporate resources

    Visit Resource

    Vendor Performance Dashboard

    Track EDI compliance and performance metrics

    Guides & Documentation

    SMART Guide Documentation

    Comprehensive vendor requirements and procedures

    EDI Implementation Guide

    SPS Commerce EDI setup and requirements

    Vendor FAQ Resources

    Frequently asked questions and support

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    Regulatory

    FDA Compliance

    Food and drug administration requirements for sporting goods and outdoor products

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    CPSC Standards

    Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for sports equipment and outdoor gear

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    FTC Guidelines

    Federal Trade Commission guidelines for retail advertising and consumer protection

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    Audit & Certification

    SGS Certification

    Product testing and certification services for sporting goods quality assurance

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    Intertek Testing

    Independent testing and certification for retail product safety and performance

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    UL Solutions

    Safety certification and testing services for consumer sporting goods products

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    Vendor Tools & APIs

    EDI Document Exchange

    Automated EDI transaction processing system

    Vendor Database Management

    Centralized vendor information and compliance tracking

    OTM Integration Tools

    Oracle Transportation Management system access

    Additional Support

    Support Portal

    Access additional support resources

    Contact Support

    UNIS Integration Support

    Get help with UNIS platform integration and channel connectivity.

    Contact UNIS Support

    Frequently Asked Questions for Academy Sports Vendors

    Common questions about partnering with Academy Sports and vendor requirements