Academy Sports + Outdoors - Selma, North Carolina

Gabriel (. O. C.

I walked into Academy Sports with $1,000 to spend, ready to buy a few things, including a gun case. While browsing, I noticed a Ruger my granddad had been interested in, so I took a quick picture to confirm it was the one he wanted before purchasing. Almost instantly, I was met with hostility. A store employee snapped at me, telling me pictures weren’t allowed at the display counter.

It wasn’t just what was said, but how. The tone was aggressive, dismissive, and dripping with something unspoken. Three employees watched me with a look that made me feel disgusting and out of place due to my caucasian skin . It was as if my presence alone was an issue, as if they had already decided I didn’t belong there. The way they treated me with open disgust and coldness made it painfully clear that I wasn’t just another customer. I was being profiled.

I had just gotten off work from my job at a hemp factory, so I’m no stranger to judgmental stares. I know how people react to the lingering smell that clings to me after a long shift. I’ve seen the looks of disgust before. But this was different. This wasn’t about the smell. This was about who they thought I was.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I were African American (Like the three Employees), I would have been treated with more respect. I saw what it felt like to be judged on sight, to have assumptions made about who I was and what I was doing there. It was dehumanizing.

Instead of making a sale, they made it clear I wasn’t welcome. So they lost my business, and I’ll be making sure others know exactly how this store treats its Caucasian customers. I’ll spend my money somewhere I’m accepted.

rob T.

I recently visited the new Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Johnston County, North Carolina, ahead of its grand opening this weekend. Having heard about the event, I decided to stop by and check out what the store has to offer. Overall, my experience was positive, though there are a few areas that could be improved.

The fishing selection, while decent, wasn’t as expansive as I had hoped. The same could be said for the camping section—functional but fairly standard. However, I was pleased with their wide selection of coolers, although I was surprised not to see any Yeti products. What stood out to me was their great selection of firearms, including pistols, along with a solid variety of boots, outerwear, and grills. I also noticed they had a fantastic stock of Stanley Cups in a variety of styles and colors, which is a big plus for anyone looking for durable drinkware.

One of the highlights of my visit was the staff. They were incredibly attentive, asking multiple times if I needed assistance, which I really appreciated. Their eagerness to help created a welcoming environment that made the shopping experience smooth and pleasant.

In conclusion, Academy Sports + Outdoors has a promising start, offering a variety of products that cater to many outdoor enthusiasts. With a bit more variety in certain sections, this store could quickly become a go-to spot in the area. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops after the grand opening!

John F.

This was our first time and it was nice. We went to the Selma store and it really has everything we would need and not having to drive into Raleigh is a huge plus.
I went for the fishing section and they have enough to keep me from having to go anywhere else.
My wife and grand daughters were looking at clothes and based on the arm full that we left with I think they were satisfied also.
Welcome to JoCo Academy Sports we're glad to have you

A M.

An amazing store. I shopped for the first time today and found the selection excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and some very good prices.

Louie R.

Came in today and purchased a firearm at a good price, the young man at the counter was very professional , and knowledgeable, in fact all the employees encountered were very nice , now the negative , their firearm purchasing policy or process leave much to be desired its too high strung too many intrusive checks and balances , my spider sense started tingling when I was presented with a unknown document never encountered in any other gun store similar to a homemade 4473 lol for their records to track me if the firearm is involved in a incident don't know if this legal for them to do , but I went along for the ride , I had to wait too long while they "checked" my info , then my wife couldn't pay since it was a Christmas gift , and then I was walked out of the store and handed the gun outside i felt very humiliated. I will never ever purchase in the section of the store my first experience wasn't what I thought it would be , this store should not be in the business of firearms sales if you are going to act WOKE ! My opinion ! I advise all those who are law abiding and pro 2nd Amendment to not patronize that section of the store , go to a real gun shop , where your business is appreciated. And you won't be made to feel uncomfortable.... 💔 😕 even if you have to pay a higher price , trust me you won't walk away like your dirty and need a bath ... corporate Bullshit !!! Not the employees they are just doing their job 🙄....

Harry T.

I went in today, first time. With the help of Sunny I believe her name was I was easily able to find what I needed in good time and was provided with good information on the items I got. It's a very nice store I would definitely recommend people take a visit.

Clay W.

Walked in there was a guy at the podium but never greeted. Passed couple workers and nothing and went to gun bar area there was guy sitting down and guy standing they looked at me and back to their conversation. This will make my 2nd time in this store my first and last. I will drive the hour to go to the Knightdale location where they are more friendly and ask if people need help.

Deborah M.

This store is well stocked, new and clean,, a pleasure for our community! The selection is incredible, and the prices are what I expected with brands like Nike, Columbia, Hurley and such.