Parent company of The Athlete’s Foot acquires Shoe City

The Arklyz Group has added another retail brand to its portfolio.

The parent company of The Athlete’s Foot has acquired Shoe City, a Baltimore-based sneaker and streetwear retail chain, and its e-commerce site. Founded in 1949, the family business has grown to more than 40 stores across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginian.  

The acquisition marks Arklyz’s continued expansion. In July 2021, it acquired The Athlete’s Foot, which currently operates 550 stores and e-commerce shops in 30-plus countries. Earlier this month, it acquired Asphaltgold, an online European sneaker and streetwear retailer.

The Shoe City acquisition will add an expanded retail presence in the DMV region to existing Athlete’s Food locations while its e-commerce platform will help jumpstart the brand’s omnichannel strategies.

Arklyz has appointed Matthew Lafone, president and general manager of the Americas, to oversee both businesses.

“Adding Shoe City and ycmc.com to the portfolio together with TAF strengthens our position as one of the nation's top retail destinations for footwear, apparel, and accessories," said Param Singh, owner and CEO of Arklyz. "I am also confident that having cohesive leadership under Matthew Lafone, will not only make for a seamless transition but enable both TAF and Shoe City to execute effectively on future growth plans."

“From starting with our first retail location in Baltimore, then expanding to 40 more stores over last 70 years across the DMV with deep local ties in the community,” said Shoe City president Greg Greenburg in a statement. “I am glad that Arklyz and The Athlete’s Foot, with very similar approach, are taking over our family business….I believe that Arklyz and TAF will help Shoe City and ycmc.com grow further and make them even more community and culture relevant to our local consumers.”