Hibbett Sports to shut down nearly 15% of stores under new U. S. strategy

# **Hibbett Sports to Close 175 Stores Amid JD Sports Takeover: The Retail Shake-Up Continues**

**BIRMINGHAM, Ala.** — Hibbett Sports, a long-standing U.S. sporting goods retailer with nearly **1,000 stores**, is set to **close 175 locations over the next three years** in a strategic shift under new ownership.

The decision follows JD Sports’ **$1.1 billion acquisition** of Hibbett in early 2024, marking a bold move by the British sports giant to **reshape its North American footprint**. By consolidating its physical presence, JD Sports aims to **focus on fewer, larger stores** that deliver stronger financial returns—a tactic increasingly common in today’s retail landscape.

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## **The Big Picture: Retail’s Consolidation Wave**

Hibbett’s downsizing reflects a **broader industry trend**, where retailers are **pruning unprofitable locations** after years of aggressive expansion. In just under two years, Hibbett’s store count has already dropped from **1,169 to 982**, with further closures on the horizon.

JD Sports isn’t stopping there. The company plans to:

Shrink its North American store base while adding new locations in strategic markets.
Rebrand up to 80 Finish Line stores under the JD Sports name, signaling a shift in brand identity.

This isn’t an isolated case. Other major retailers are making similar moves:

Foot Locker has announced closures after a change in ownership.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is streamlining operations by closing underperforming stores.

The message is clear: The retail industry is in a phase of consolidation, where brands are prioritizing profitability over expansion.

Investor Sentiment & The Road Ahead

JD Sports’ strategy comes with mixed reactions from investors. While its stock has seen a slight uptick compared to last year, uncertainty lingers. The company’s approach—keeping overall store numbers stable while improving efficiency—suggests a cautious, profit-driven strategy rather than a push for rapid growth.

As the sporting goods retail sector continues to evolve, one thing is certain: The shake-up is far from over.

Investor Sentiment & The Road Ahead

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