We are a rapidly-growing operator of sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets predominantly in the Southeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic and lower Midwest regions of the United States. As of January 31, 2009, we operated 723 Hibbett Sports stores as well as 18 smaller-format Sports Additions athletic shoe stores and 4 larger-format Sports & Co. superstores in 24 states. Over the past two fiscal years, we have increased the number of stores from 613 stores to 745 stores, an increase in store base of approximately 22%. Our primary retail format and growth vehicle is Hibbett Sports, a 5,000 square-foot store located primarily in strip centers which are usually influenced by a Wal-Mart store and in enclosed malls.
Although competitors in some markets may carry similar product lines and national brands as our stores, we believe that our stores are typically the primary sporting goods retailers in their markets due to the extensive selection of quality branded merchandise and high level of customer service. Hibbett’s merchandise assortment emphasizes team sports complemented by localized apparel and accessories designed to appeal to a wide range of customers within each individual market.