It may not mean that much in the day-to-day world of team sporting goods, but the recent announcement that venerable Hibbett Sports is taking the “Sports” out of its corporate name – the retailer will now be known just as Hibbett, Inc. – is surely some sign of changing times in sports retail.

The reason, apparently, is the chain’s focus more on apparel and footwear than hard goods.

“Over the past several years, we have transitioned our corporate strategy to emphasize the athletic-inspired fashion merchandise that our customers covet,” explains Mike Longo, president and CEO. “Our new corporate name of Hibbett, Inc. better reflects our consumer centric Toe-to-Head focus that leads with in-demand footwear and provides cross-category connectivity to our apparel and accessory offerings.

“While we will continue to offer select products for customers that participate in individual and team sports in a number of stores and through our best-in-class omni-channel platform, providing a compelling assortment of athletic-inspired fashion footwear, apparel, and accessories to underserved neighborhoods and communities across the United States will remain our primary focus,” he adds.

The company’s ticker symbol, “HIBB”, will remain unchanged.