Athlete's Foot, The - Franchise

The World's Definitive Expert On Athletic Footwear

From the beginning The Athlete's Foot®, has been pivotal in the way the world buys athletic footwear. We were the world's first franchisor of athletic footwear and for 36 years have been continuously recognized as the world's leading authority on franchising athletic footwear. Always on the forefront of making the most successful franchise even stronger, The Athlete's Foot® is launching exciting new store systems, designs and state-of-the-art technology that will keep us steps ahead of the competition ensuring the future growth ofthis dynamic Brand.


The Athlete's Foot®, A History of Success

Robert and David Lando opened the first The Athlete's Foot® store in 1971 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was the first athletic footwear specialty store of its kind in the United States. Their business took off so quickly that soon after, they began franchising The Athlete's Foot® domestically, opening in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1972. The Athlete's Foot® was a huge hit and went global in 1978 in Adelaide, Australia. With expansion to over 40 countries to date, The Athlete's Foot® continues to race ahead of the competition in the athletic shoe industry.

In 2006, NexCen Brands, Inc., a public Brand acquisition and management company, acquired The Athlete's Foot® and is continuing to drive the growth of the Brand worldwide through its Branding and marketing expertise, supplier relationships, and global retail franchise management and support team. Throughout its history of growth, The Athlete's Foot® has maintained its high quality Brand image, and continues to innovate in its field as the world leader in athletic footwear franchising.

Financial Information - What is the franchise fee?

Single and Multiple stores

A $39,900 fee accompanies the first store agreement. Once in our system, the fee for additional stores is discounted to motivate growth depending upon your individual growth plan.

Master Franchise

This program allows for multiple store development of a defined territory and the possibility of sub-franchising within the defined territory. The fee schedule is specific to the potential store development within the defined territory.

Area Development Agreement

This program allows for multiple store development within a defined territory over a specific time period. The area development fee is based on the potential store development of the defined territory.

Are there monthly fees as well?

Yes, as with any franchise business, monthly royalty payments are assessed. The monthly royalties are as follows:

Single and multiple stores

Five percent (5%) of net sales are paid monthly and one percent (1%) of net sales is contributed to a Marketing Support Fund on a monthly basis as well. This fund provides owners with visual merchandising and local marketing materials. Multi store discount available.

Master Franchise (Worldwide)

2.5% to 5% of net sales are paid monthly.

Does The Athlete's Foot® provide financing?

The Athlete's Foot® assists owners with finding appropriate solutions for your individual financing needs. The company does not provide financing or derive profits from outside lenders.

What are the financial requirements?

It takes between $196,000 and $446,000 depending upon size and location to open and operate a store. We look for individuals with a net worth of over $200,000 and with liquid assets of at least $80,000. This amount will also vary depending on whether you are purchasing the rights for a single store or the master rights for a territory.

What are the timelines for the process of buying the franchise?

Once the application is submitted and approved, we generally work to complete the franchise agreements within a 20-day period, although Master Franchise agreements can extend beyond that time frame. Once building plans and permits are initiated, a store can be ready for occupancy in approximately 6 weeks after permitting is finalized. Our goal is to open your operations successfully in a timely fashion.