The Athlete's Foot has formalized an agreement with Jagasons Limited, a Republic of Trinidad and Tobago corporation, to become The Athlete's Foot's master franchisee for Trinidad and Tobago. The company projects a minimum of six openings over the length of the 15-year agreement. The initial store is expected to open in Price Plaza, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago this June with an additional two stores planned by the end of this year.
The Athlete's Foot's expansion into Trinidad and Tobago is in keeping with the company's strategic plan for aggressive franchise growth around the world. In 2003, The Athlete's Foot opened 100 stores, and has plans to add another 100 stores globally this year.
“We see a tremendous opportunity to expand The Athlete's Foot concept in Trinidad and Tobago and look forward to replicating the success we have seen in this region,” said Robert J. Corliss, president and CEO of The Athlete's Foot. The Athlete's Foot currently operates 40 stores throughout the Caribbean and South America including seven stores in nearby Venezuela.
John Gonzales, Chairman of Jagasons Limited, is a senior executive in the insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago and has held senior executive positions in the wider Caribbean region. “The Athlete's Foot fulfills what I have been looking for in a retail franchisor in that they are experts in fashion and sporting footwear, which will add tremendous value to consumers in Trinidad and Tobago,” says Gonzales. Sandra Gonzales will be the operations manager of the stores. Atlanta-based The Athlete's Foot is the largest franchisor of athletic footwear in the world. The company is privately owned and operates over 700
stores in more than 40 countries.
