100 Foot Locker Stores to Shutter in 2025 as DICK'S Sporting Goods Acquires Brand

Despite a slight increase in consumer spending during the first quarter of 2025, we're seeing more and more retailers unable to withstand economic downturns and continue to close physical locations. Foot Locker is one retailer that has already succumbed to this trend, having announced plans to close more than 400 stores by 2026. During a recent earnings call, they announced plans to close more than 100 stores by the end of 2025. 

In another major, recent development, DICK'S Sporting Goods has finalized its $2.4 billion acquisition of Foot Locker and will now be in charge of the brand moving forward. In a new era of leadership, Executive Chairman Ed Stack will oversee operations alongside two presidents: 26-year Nike veteran Ann Freeman and a new international president who has yet to be appointed. 

There will be seven additional executives leading Foot Locker, many from DICK'S leadership team, and questions about current CEO Mary Dillon's future remain unanswered. For shoppers, this new deal could mean significant changes ahead, even as store closures continue to reshape the brand's footprint. 

Sneaker sales have been declining for quite some time, and it doesn't look like the trend is slowing. In fact, Nike recently warned investors to expect a double-digit decline in sales. With its inventory being primarily shoes, it makes sense for Foot Locker to cut its underperforming stores to get ahead financially. 

Foot Locker has 667 stores in the United States, including locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Internationally, the company has approximately 2,400 stores in 20 countries.

DICK'S plans to operate Foot Locker as a standalone business and brand. This is likely because the brand has already begun to "refresh" some stores.

More specifically, Mary Dillon, CEO of Foot Locker, says that the "reimagined" and "refreshed" stores in 2024 "elevated and improved consistency across our global Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker doors."

The primary goal for "reimagined" and "refreshed" locations is to provide enhanced product presentations and unique in-store features that enhance the shopper experience. They plan to refresh 300 stores and use this "reimagined" concept in roughly 80 stores. 

Foot Locker hasn't announced which locations it will close in 2025. Recent closures, however, include locations in:

• New Haven, CT
• Tampa, FL
• Auburn, MA
• Boston, MA
• Braintree, MA
• Cambridge, MA
• Holyoke, MA
• New York, NY

Foot Locker is expected to announce additional locations over the next few months.

Unless your favorite location closes, Foot Locker's plans could improve your experience with the brand. Although the brand is expected to close approximately 100 U.S. locations, many of the remaining stores will undergo updates designed to enhance shopping options and customer experiences.

Foot Locker opened its first location in 1974, when Kinney Shoe Corporation, owned by the F.W. Woolworth Company, sought to establish a specialty store catering to consumers interested in athletic footwear.

As Foot Locker prepares to close 100 stores this year, loyal shoppers can feel assured that the brand is actively working to improve shopping experiences. The DICK'S acquisition should also enhance the products available across both brands.

No matter where you choose to buy your athletic wear, though, be sure to use one of your top cash back credit cards to make the most of your purchase.