Academy Sports Launches Retail Media Network to Boost Ad Targeting

The new network, known as ARM, aims to bridge the gap between physical retail footprints and digital engagement. By leveraging purchase data from both online and in-store transactions, Academy intends to offer advertisers a closed-loop system for tracking campaign performance. The initiative targets specific consumer segments, notably the retailer's "Always Game Families," a demographic that typically spends twice as much annually as the average sporting goods customer.

Chad Fox, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, stated that the move is intended to deepen relationships with brand partners while providing shoppers with more personalized experiences. Advertisers will gain access to tools measuring return on ad spend and sales lift across specific product categories. Several national brands have already begun running campaigns through the network, signaling an early push to capitalize on the company's omnichannel reach.