Tampa-based Sports Fan-Attic Inc. operates stores in seven southern states and last year posted revenue of about $30 million.

Executives at Hat World and its parent company, Nashville, Tenn.-based Genesco Inc., see the potential to grow the concept into a nationwide powerhouse, both with new stores and by acquiring other regional players in the fragmented market.

The company likely was gearing up for such a move earlier this year when it acquired two companies that produce and market team uniforms and apparel, Wisconsin-based Impact Sports Inc. and Minnesota-based Great Plains Sports.