Hibbett Sports Owner JD Sports to Close 175 U.S. Stores in Major North American Restructuring

JD Sports, the parent company of Hibbett Sports, is preparing to close about 175 Hibbett stores across the United States over the next three years as part of a major reorganization of its North American business.

The decision is focused on closing underperforming locations and improving profitability after JD Sports acquired Hibbett in 2024 for about $1.1 billion. Reports say the company wants to build a stronger, more efficient store network by focusing on “fewer, bigger, and better” locations.

Why JD Sports Is Closing Hibbett Stores

The planned closures are part of JD Sports’ wider strategy to improve store productivity. Instead of operating many smaller or weaker-performing stores, the company wants to focus on locations that can generate stronger sales and better long-term results.

JD Sports CEO Régis Schultz said the company is working to optimize its North American store footprint and improve profitability. The stores marked for closure are described as underperforming locations that no longer fit the group’s future retail strategy.

How Many Hibbett Stores Will Close?

JD Sports plans to close around 170 to 175 Hibbett stores over the next three years. Hibbett had 999 stores at the start of JD Sports’ fiscal year in February 2025, but that number had fallen to 982 by January 2026.

The company has already been reducing its Hibbett footprint since the acquisition. The new plan shows that more consolidation is coming as JD Sports reshapes its U.S. business.

JD Sports Is Not Leaving the U.S. Market

Even though JD Sports is closing many Hibbett locations, the company is not pulling back from North America completely. In fact, it still sees the region as a major growth market.

As part of the same strategy, JD Sports also plans to open about 20 new JD stores and convert around 70 to 80 Finish Line stores into JD locations. This means the company is shifting its focus rather than simply shrinking its business.

What This Means for Customers

For shoppers, the biggest change may be fewer Hibbett stores in certain areas, especially in markets where stores are smaller, older, or less profitable. Customers may need to shop at nearby JD Sports, Finish Line, or remaining Hibbett locations.

Online shopping is also likely to become more important as retailers continue to balance physical stores with digital sales. JD Sports may use its stronger locations and online platforms to serve customers more efficiently.

Why the Hibbett Acquisition Matters

JD Sports bought Hibbett to strengthen its position in the U.S. athletic footwear and sportswear market. At the time of the deal, Hibbett operated more than 1,100 stores across 36 states, giving JD Sports a much larger American presence.

However, after reviewing the business, JD Sports appears to be choosing quality over quantity. The company wants stores that match its long-term brand direction and deliver stronger returns.

A Sign of Bigger Retail Changes

The Hibbett closures are part of a wider trend in retail. Many companies are closing weaker stores, reducing costs, and investing in better-performing locations. The sportswear industry is also facing changing customer habits, higher costs, and strong competition.

Retailers are now under pressure to make every store count. Stores must offer strong products, convenient service, and a reason for shoppers to visit in person.

Conclusion

The plan to close 175 Hibbett stores marks a major step in JD Sports’ North American reorganization. While the move may reduce Hibbett’s physical presence in some U.S. communities, it also shows JD Sports’ focus on building a leaner, stronger, and more profitable business.

The company is not abandoning the U.S. market. Instead, it is reshaping its store network, investing in JD-branded locations, and preparing for a retail future where efficiency and customer experience matter more than store count alone.

#HibbettSports #JDSports #RetailNews #StoreClosures #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM