Key Stats
Foot Locker, Inc. is a leading athletic footwear and apparel retailer with a global presence spanning multiple continents. The company operates an extensive network of retail locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, along with franchised stores in the Middle East and Asia.
As a specialty athletic retailer, Foot Locker focuses on providing premium footwear and apparel from leading sports brands. The company has established itself as a dominant player in the athletic retail sector through strategic brand management and customer engagement.
With operations in nearly 30 countries and thousands of retail locations, Foot Locker serves millions of customers worldwide. The company continues to evolve its retail strategy to meet changing consumer preferences and shopping behaviors.
Foot Locker History
The F.W. Woolworth Company purchased the Kinney Shoe Corporation and operated it as a subsidiary, establishing the foundation for what would eventually become Foot Locker, Inc.
Kinney began expanding into specialty shoe stores, launching Stylco as part of its diversification strategy within the footwear retail market.
Kinney continued its specialty store expansion by opening Susie Casuals, further broadening its retail portfolio beyond traditional shoe stores.
The first Foot Locker store opened on September 12th in Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry, California, marking the birth of the iconic athletic footwear retail brand.
The F.W. Woolworth Company incorporated a separate entity called the Woolworth Corporation, which remained the parent company of the growing Foot Locker brand.
The Woolworth Corporation changed its name to Venator Group, Inc., reflecting the company’s evolution and diversified retail operations beyond the traditional Woolworth brand.
Venator Group officially changed its name to Foot Locker, Inc., recognizing that the Foot Locker brand had become the company’s top-performing line and primary identity in the marketplace.
Foot Locker acquired the Footaction USA brand along with approximately 350 stores from Footstar, significantly expanding its retail footprint and brand portfolio in the athletic footwear sector.
The company acquired Runners Point Group, a German retailer, strengthening its presence in the European athletic footwear market and expanding its international operations.
Foot Locker Brands
The flagship athletic footwear and apparel retail brand offering premium sneakers and sportswear from leading brands to enthusiasts worldwide.
Dedicated retail concept focusing on athletic footwear and apparel for children, providing the same premium brand selection in youth sizes.
Athletic footwear and apparel retailer within the Foot Locker portfolio, offering a curated selection of sports lifestyle products and exclusive releases.
Premium sneaker and streetwear retailer known for exclusive collaborations and limited-edition releases, acquired to strengthen the company’s position in the sneaker culture market.
Value-oriented footwear and apparel retailer offering athletic and casual shoes at accessible price points, expanding Foot Locker’s reach across different customer segments.
European-focused athletic and streetwear retailer providing trendy sneakers and lifestyle apparel, primarily operating in Germany and other European markets.
Foot Locker Acquisitions
Foot Locker has pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position and expand its retail footprint across various segments. The company’s acquisition strategy has focused on complementary brands that enhance its overall portfolio and geographic reach.
The 2004 acquisition of Footaction USA represented a major milestone for Foot Locker. The company purchased the Footaction brand along with approximately 350 stores from Footstar, significantly expanding its presence in urban markets and adding a brand with strong cultural connections to hip-hop and street culture.
In 2013, Foot Locker made a strategic move into the European market by acquiring Runners Point Group, a German athletic footwear retailer. This acquisition strengthened the company’s international operations and provided an established platform for growth in Europe’s running specialty market.
The company has also acquired brands like Atmos, a premium Japanese sneaker retailer known for exclusive collaborations and limited releases. This acquisition aligned with Foot Locker’s strategy to capture the growing sneakerhead and collector market segment.
WSS, a footwear retailer focused on value-oriented customers, was added to the portfolio to expand Foot Locker’s reach beyond its core premium positioning. The acquisition allowed the company to serve a broader range of consumers across different price points.
Sidestep, a European streetwear and athletic footwear retailer, was acquired to enhance the company’s presence in key European markets. The brand operates primarily in Germany and complements Foot Locker’s existing European operations through its distinct market positioning.
These acquisitions reflect Foot Locker’s comprehensive approach to building a multi-brand portfolio that serves different customer segments, geographic markets, and price points while maintaining its core focus on athletic footwear and apparel retailing.
Foot Locker Competitors
Foot Locker operates in a competitive athletic footwear and apparel retail landscape. The company faces competition from both specialty athletic retailers and broader sporting goods chains across its global markets.
| Competitor | Country |
|---|---|
| Nike | United States |
| Adidas | Germany |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | United States |
| JD Sports | United Kingdom |
| Finish Line | United States |
| Sports Direct | United Kingdom |
| Hibbett Sports | United States |
| Academy Sports + Outdoors | United States |
| Shoe Palace | United States |
| Snipes | Germany |
Foot Locker Revenue
Foot Locker generates revenue through its global network of retail stores and digital commerce platforms. The company’s financial performance reflects its position as a leading athletic footwear retailer worldwide.
Foot Locker Market Cap
The company maintains a significant market capitalization as a publicly traded entity. Foot Locker’s market value fluctuates based on retail industry trends and company performance metrics.
FAQs
When was Foot Locker founded?
Foot Locker was founded on September 12, 1974, when the first store opened in Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry, California, as a subsidiary of the Kinney Shoe Corporation.
How many stores does Foot Locker have?
Foot Locker operates over 2,700 retail stores across 29 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, with additional franchised locations in Middle East and Asia.
Where is Foot Locker headquarters located?
Foot Locker, Inc. is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, United States, from where it manages its global operations and retail network across multiple continents.
What brands does Foot Locker own?
Foot Locker owns several retail brands including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Atmos, WSS, and Sidestep, serving different market segments and geographic regions globally.
How many employees does Foot Locker have?
Foot Locker employs more than 30,000 people globally across its retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices, making it one of the largest employers in athletic footwear retail.