When Foot Locker announced international franchise and licensing opportunities, few companies jumped faster than Apparel Group, one of the Middle East’s biggest retail operators. Today, their partnership with Foot Locker is a real-world example of multi-unit franchise success—and a blueprint for how investors can scale multiple stores.
The Partnership
In 2019, Foot Locker partnered with Apparel Group, a Dubai-based retail powerhouse managing 75+ global brands. The goal: expand Foot Locker stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and beyond.
- Initial Launch: Apparel Group opened Foot Locker stores in top shopping malls across Dubai and Riyadh.
- Growth Model: Rapid expansion through multi-unit franchising and licensing agreements.
- Result: Foot Locker gained a dominant presence in Middle Eastern sneaker retail within just a few years.
Why It Worked
- Strong Local Expertise
Apparel Group already had retail dominance in the region, with experience in real estate, operations, and staffing. - High Sneaker Demand
The Middle East has one of the world’s youngest populations, with a strong appetite for fashion and sneaker culture. - Prime Locations
Stores were strategically placed in luxury shopping malls like Dubai Mall and Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre—ensuring massive foot traffic.
The Multi-Unit Advantage
The Apparel Group’s model shows how multi-unit ownership drives profitability:
- Shared Resources: Staff training, logistics, and marketing were streamlined across stores.
- Brand Presence: Multiple stores created strong regional dominance.
- Scaling Profits: Instead of one profitable store, they multiplied revenue across dozens of locations.
Lessons for Future Franchisees
This real-world success highlights three key lessons for investors considering Foot Locker franchising:
- Think Beyond One Store – Multi-unit growth builds stronger financial results.
- Leverage Partnerships – Local expertise is critical when expanding internationally.
- Choose Strategic Locations – High-traffic malls and shopping districts drive profitability.
Final Thoughts
The Foot Locker–Apparel Group partnership proves that multi-unit franchise expansion is not just possible—it’s highly profitable. By combining global brand power with local market expertise, Foot Locker has quickly become a sneaker retail leader across the Middle East.
At FootLockerFranchise.com, we’ll continue sharing real stories and strategies from around the world to inspire your own franchise journey.