Closed Hibbett Sports store with boarded windows and "Store Closure" signs
JD Sports, the parent company of Hibbett Sports, is set to close around 175 underperforming stores across North America within the next three years. This move is part of a broader strategic initiative by JD Sports to optimize its retail footprint and enhance profitability following its $1.1 billion acquisition of Hibbett in 2024.
Regis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports, stated on the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call that the company is focusing on store productivity and optimizing its store estate. “In North America, we will leverage group best practice to optimize EBIT store footprint and profitability. As part of this, we will close around 170 underperforming EBIT stores over the next three years,” Schultz explained. This strategy aligns with JD Sports’ “fewer, bigger, and better” store approach.
As of February 2025, Hibbett operated 999 stores, a number that decreased to 982 by January 2026 following the integration after the acquisition. The company plans to open approximately 20 new JD stores and convert 70 to 80 Finish Line stores to JD locations in North America, aiming to keep the total store count broadly flat for the year when considering European operations.
This strategic shift by JD Sports occurs amidst a challenging retail environment. Hibbett’s competitor, Foot Locker, also announced store closure plans in November, following its acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods. The retail sector has seen significant upheaval, with numerous chains announcing closures and layoffs.
JD Sports’ stock performance has been relatively stable, with a slight year-to-date decrease of about 1.7% but a modest increase of 1.8% over the past year.
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