The Athlete's Foot
Athletic footwear & related sports accessoriesBackground
Founded: 1972 Franchising since: 1973
Robert and David Lando had a unique vision in 1971--to open a store specializing in athletic footwear. That year they opened the first The Athlete's Foot in Pittsburgh. The first franchise opened in 1972 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the first international location opened in 1978 in Adelaide, Australia. The Athlete's Foot now operates company-owned and franchise locations in more than 40 countries. The company develops stores in malls, shopping districts and as freestanding locations. Each store sells name-brand athletic footwear and apparel. There are also The Athlete's Foot For Her stores, which specialize in athletic footwear and apparel for girls and women.
Franchise Growth
Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Worldwide
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Geographic area
Special Programs
The Athletes Foot sponsors a number of charity events, including the Run Over Cancer, a run/walk that raises money for the American Cancer Society. The company also supports local schools through giveaways and gift certificates.
Robert and David Lando had a unique vision in 1971--to open a store specializing in athletic footwear. That year they opened the first The Athlete's Foot in Pittsburgh. The first franchise opened in 1972 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the first international location opened in 1978 in Adelaide, Australia. The Athlete's Foot now operates company-owned and franchise locations in more than 40 countries. The company develops stores in malls, shopping districts and as freestanding locations. Each store sells name-brand athletic footwear and apparel. There are also The Athlete's Foot For Her stores, which specialize in athletic footwear and apparel for girls and women.
|
1346 Oakbrook Dr. #170 Norcross, Georgia 30093 |
Phone: (800)524-6444/ (770)514-4500 |
Franchise Growth
| Year | U.S. Franchises | Canadian Franchises | Foreign Franchises | Company Owned |
| 2009 | 213 | 2 | 337 | 0 |
| 2008 | 245 | 1 | 372 | 0 |
| 2007 | 220 | 1 | 377 | 0 |
| 2006 | 251 | 1 | 413 | 0 |
| 2005 | 190 | 2 | 350 | 170 |
Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Worldwide
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Geographic area
Special Programs
The Athletes Foot sponsors a number of charity events, including the Run Over Cancer, a run/walk that raises money for the American Cancer Society. The company also supports local schools through giveaways and gift certificates.
Costs and Fees
|
Total investment: $249.5K-529.9K Franchise fee: $39.9K |
Ongoing royalty fee: 5% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable |
Type of Financing Available
| In-House | Third Party | |
| Franchise Fee | No | Yes |
| Startup Costs | No | Yes |
| Equipment | No | Yes |
| Inventory | No | Yes |
| Accounts Receivable | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes |
Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $250K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K-100K
Business Experience:
- General business experience
Operations
- 21% of all franchisees own more than one unit
- Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10
- Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
Training and Support
Training
Ongoing Support
Marketing Support
- Available at headquarters: 5 days
- At franchisee's location: 5 days at opening
Ongoing Support
- Newsletter
- Meetings
- Toll-free phone line
- Grand opening
- Internet
- Security/safety procedures
- Field operations/evaluations
Marketing Support
- Ad slicks
- Regional advertising
Rankings
Franchise 500® rank:
#153 (2009);
Ranked #1 in category in:
2009;
America's Top Global Franchises:
#119 (2009);
#153 (2009);
Ranked #1 in category in:
2009;
America's Top Global Franchises:
#119 (2009);