$8 billion Foot Locker begins 'lace up' pilgrimage to St. Petersburg

At the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corp.'s annual meeting, held Feb. 19 at the St. Pete Museum of History, there was a new face in the crowd: Foot Locker Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Frank Bracken was welcomed as a representative of the latest Fortune 100 company to move to the area, joining Jabil, TD Synnex and Raymond James. 

“Early last year, we actually made the full commitment to move our global headquarters from New York City on 34th Street and Ninth Avenue down to St Pete here and so we're thrilled with that decision. We're thrilled with the opportunity that presents us,” Bracken told the crowd.

Foot Locker has had a presence in Florida for quite some time. One of its retail banners, Champs Sports, was founded in Bradenton. The Bradenton office closed and moved to a St. Pete office purchased in early 2020. 250 workers are currently working out of the space while the New York office makes the shift southward, a move announced last year as the 'Lace Up' plan that is expected to be completed by October, according to Bracken.