The Athlete's Foot

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.

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 AthleteÂ’s 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.

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

• 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

Franchise 500® rank:
#153 (2009);

Ranked #1 in category in:
2009;

America's Top Global Franchises:
#119 (2009);