Journeys is a specialty chain retailer, owned by Genesco, of branded fashion footwear and accessories with approximately 1,200 stores nationwide. Journeys operates five retail concepts across North America including Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground by Journeys and Little Burgundy.[3][4] Journeys is focused on "quickly shifting fashion footwear trends.",[5] and is described as the anti-Foot Locker.[3]

Journeys
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryRetail
Founded1986; 38 years ago (1986) in Nashville, Tennessee, US
Headquarters
Nashville, Tennessee[1]
Number of locations
1,193 (2019)
Area served
North America
Key people
  • Mario Gallione (President)
  • Mike Sypert (Executive Vice President, Sales)
  • Rob Taylor (Chief Operations Officer)
  • Pete Hicks (Chief Merchandising Officer)
  • Kari Irons (Senior Vice President, Marketing)
ProductsShoes, Clothing, Accessories
BrandsJourneys, Journeys Kidz, Little Burgundy
ParentGenesco[2]
Websitejourneys.com

History

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Journeys store at Springfield Town Center, Springfield, Virginia, in November 2024

Journeys opened its first store in Nashville, Tennessee at Rivergate Mall in December 1986.[6] Within ten years, Journeys had opened 100 stores, and by 1999 launched its website.[6] In 2001, Journeys Kidz opened its first location, followed by an opening of Shï in 2005.[6] In 2010, Journeys opened its first store in Canada.[6] In 2011, Journeys started the "Attitude That Cares" program[7] to encourage its employees to get involved locally in community outreach & service.[8] In 2014, Journeys began its partnership with the Vans Warped Tour, becoming its Presenting Sponsor for its 20th Anniversary tour.[9] In 2015, Journeys became the title sponsor of the Alternative Press Music Awards.[10] In 2021, Journeys announced a partnership with Can’dAid, (candaid.org), an organization that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities.[11]

In 2018, Journeys partnered with Converse to put on a free prom for teens in Houston, Texas.[12]

Brands

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Interior of a Journeys store, Barton Creek Square, in June 2017

Journeys

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Journeys is a teen specialty footwear retailer.[13] The first location opened at the Rivergate Mall in Nashville, Tennessee in 1986, and there now are stores in every state and $1 billion in sales.[14]

Journeys Kidz

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Journeys Kidz is a specialty footwear brand that opened its first store in 2001 for kids 5–12 years old,[15][16] with the tagline “Big Kidz Shoes, Little Kidz Sizes.”[17] There are 170 locations in the United States.[18]

Little Burgundy

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Little Burgundy was purchased from Aldo Group in 2015, adding 37 retail stores. The brand is focused on students and young professionals.[19]

References

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  1. ^ Steimer, Jacob (2016-11-15). "Nashville-based public company set for $35 million local investment". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Journeys Group Distribution Center Expands In TN". WTVF. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  3. ^ a b Tkacik, Maureen (2002-11-21). "Thin-Soled Sneakers Are Fueling Journeys' Sales in a Retail Slump". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  4. ^ Weilheimer, Neil (25 November 2015). "Journeys' Jim Estepa To Be Inducted Into The Footwear News Hall of Fame". Footwear News. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  5. ^ Hufford, Austen (2016-09-01). "Genesco Cuts Outlook, Hurt by Shift in Shoe Trends". WSJ. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d N, F (14 November 2011). "Journeys Milestone: Biggest Moments". Footwear News. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  7. ^ "DECA Direct Think Journeys is Just a Job? Think Again!". DECA Direct. 2015-10-05. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  8. ^ Morris, Chuck (2019-03-12). "Journeys donates 900 pair of shoes to needy children". WSMV Nashville. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  9. ^ "Journeys Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the Vans Warped Tour" (Press release). Los Angeles, CA: Vans Warped Tour. Marketwired. 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  10. ^ "Announcing the 2015 Journeys AP Music Awards, hosted by Alex & Jack of All Time Low!". Alternative Press. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  11. ^ "Attitude That Cares". www.journeys.com/atc. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  12. ^ Geigel, Natasha (2018-05-17). "More than a thousand Houston teens get to attend prom for free". KRIV. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  13. ^ Fox, David (2000-04-06). "Genesco ramps up Journeys marketing". Nashville Post. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  14. ^ Weilheimer, Neil (5 March 2018). "Why the Man Who Brought You Teen Retailer Journeys Is Walking Away From It All". Footwear News. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  15. ^ Footwear Old Soft-Shoe Market Taking A Big Step Up. Much, Marilyn . Investor's Business Daily ; Los Angeles [Los Angeles]18 Dec 2000: 10.
  16. ^ Alfs, Lizzy (30 March 2014). "Children's shoe retailer opens at Ann Arbor's Briarwood Mall". Michigan Live. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  17. ^ "Journeys re-opens at Albany Mall; Journeys Kidz coming". Albany Herald. 2017-07-22. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  18. ^ "Journeys Kidz to open retail store in Clackamas Town Center". Your Chamber North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  19. ^ "Aldo Group sells Little Burgundy chain of shoe stores to owner of Journeys chain | CTV News". The Canadian Press. 2015-11-03. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
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