Business Overview
Global diversification is a vital component of the Company's strategic positioning. This diversification is unique in the athletic footwear and apparel industry and provides many distinct advantages.
Foot Locker, Inc. has established a strong presence in several global markets throughout North America, Europe and Australia.
International Store Operations
The Company has a long history of operating successfully in international markets, beginning with the opening of its first Foot Locker store in Canada in 1977. Today, the Company operates 731 Foot Locker stores in Europe, Canada and Australia, and 37 Champs Sports stores in Canada. Additionally, 10 Foot Locker stores are being operated by third parties in the Middle East and Korea, under two separate franchising agreements. Foot Locker, Inc.’s international businesses are managed from a headquarters office strategically located in each region. By employing a local management team, operating facility and distribution center, the Company enhances its ability to operate in each international market efficiently.
Europe
Foot Locker, Inc.’s European business is a key source of sales and profits for the Company. Foot Locker is one of the largest athletic retailers in Europe and the one with the largest presence in terms of operating stores in multiple countries across the continent. At year-end, the Company operated 509 stores in 17 countries in Europe, with a high concentration in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The typical European Foot Locker store is situated in either a street or mall-based prime location that has high visibility and is heavily trafficked, and is somewhat smaller in size than the Company’s United States-based stores. The stores are positioned as a “house of brands” specializing in selling unique, premium athletic footwear and apparel to a fashion-conscious consumer.
Foot Locker Europe is one of the largest European retailers
specializing in athletic footwear and apparel with operations managed centrally
from Vianen, The Netherlands.
Canada
The expansion of the Company’s Foot Locker format into Canada was accelerated during the 1980’s. Following the successful positioning of Foot Locker in the Canadian market, the Company began to open Champs Sports stores in this country, starting in 1988. At year-end 2007, the Company operated 167 stores in Canada, 130 of which are Foot Locker stores and 37 are Champs Sports stores, primarily located in a mall shopping environment.
Asia/Pacific
Foot Locker, Inc.’s expansion into the Asia/Pacific region began in 1989 with the Company’s first Foot Locker store opening in Australia. Since that time, the Company’s store base in Australia has grown to 77 stores, with an additional 15 stores opened in New Zealand during the past several years. A large percentage of the Foot Locker stores in this region are located in major metropolitan area

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