Who Owns WSS?
WSS is owned by Dick's Sporting Goods, a publicly traded American sporting goods retailer that acquired Foot Locker in September 2025. Originally founded in 1984 by Eric Alon in Southern California, WSS operates as a specialty retailer focused on Latino communities and underserved markets across the West Coast. Foot Locker acquired WSS in September 2021 for $750 million.
Parent Company
Dick's Sporting Goods
Acquired
2021
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California, USA
Who Owns WSS?
- Parent Company: Dick's Sporting Goods
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2021
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: DKS
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| WSS | Dick's Sporting Goods | Wholly owned |
History of WSS
- Founded: 1984
- Founders: Eric Alon
- Acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods: 2021
WSS, formerly known as Warehouse Shoe Sale, was founded in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon in Southern California. The brand was established with a mission to serve working-class, underserved communities in urban neighborhoods rather than shopping malls.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, WSS expanded its presence across the West Coast, building strong connections with Latino communities in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The brand became known for its neighborhood-based store locations and deep community engagement.
WSS developed a reputation for understanding the needs of Latino consumers and underserved communities, offering a wide selection of athletic footwear, casual shoes, and apparel from major brands. The brand's large store format allowed it to showcase thousands of styles.
In September 2021, Foot Locker acquired WSS for $750 million, recognizing the brand's value in expanding Foot Locker's West Coast presence and deepening connections with Latino consumers. The acquisition brought WSS' community-focused approach and regional expertise to Foot Locker's portfolio.
In 2023, Foot Locker appointed Blanca Gonzalez as Senior Vice President and General Manager of WSS, bringing fresh leadership to the brand. In September 2025, Dick's Sporting Goods' acquisition of Foot Locker brought WSS into Dick's portfolio.
About Dick's Sporting Goods
What does Dick's Sporting Goods sell?
Dick's Sporting Goods sells athletic apparel, footwear, sports equipment, outdoor recreation gear, and fitness equipment across virtually every sport and outdoor activity. The company carries products from major brands including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, The North Face, and Columbia, as well as its own private label brands including DSG, Alpine Design, and Calia.
Is Dick's Sporting Goods publicly traded?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker DKS. The company went public in October 2002. The Stack family retains a significant stake through multiple share classes. Ed Stack, son of founder Dick Stack, serves as Executive Chairman.
Who founded Dick's Sporting Goods?
Dick's Sporting Goods was founded in 1948 by Richard "Dick" Stack, who opened a bait and tackle shop in Binghamton, New York with $300 borrowed from his grandmother's cookie jar. Dick Stack's son Ed Stack joined the company in 1984 and transformed it into a national sporting goods retailer.
Where is Dick's Sporting Goods headquartered?
Dick's Sporting Goods is headquartered in Findlay Township, Pennsylvania, USA, near Pittsburgh. The company operates more than 850 stores across the United States, with no significant international presence.
How many stores does Dick's Sporting Goods operate?
Dick's Sporting Goods operates more than 850 stores across the United States, including flagship Dick's Sporting Goods stores, Golf Galaxy specialty stores, Public Lands outdoor stores, and House of Sport experiential flagship stores. The company employs approximately 50,000 people.
Who owns Dick's Sporting Goods?
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE. The Stack family retains a significant stake through multiple share classes. Ed Stack, son of founder Dick Stack, serves as Executive Chairman. Lauren Hobart serves as President and CEO. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Findlay Township, Pennsylvania, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: DKS
Where Is WSS Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada
Brands Owned by Dick's Sporting Goods
- atmos - Premium Japanese streetwear and sneaker boutique founded in Tokyo, now owned by ...
- Champs Sports - Youth-focused athletic footwear and apparel retailer specializing in sneaker cul...
- Foot Locker - Leading athletic footwear and apparel retailer operating specialty stores global...
WSS Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong community connections and brand loyalty in West Coast markets
- +Deep understanding of Latino consumer preferences and needs
- +Neighborhood-based store locations in underserved communities
- +Large store format with extensive product selection
- +Integration with Dick's Sporting Goods' resources and supply chain
- +Established presence across California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada
Considerations
- -Geographic concentration in West Coast markets
- -Competition from national athletic retailers
- -Challenges in specialty retail market consolidation
- -Need to maintain community focus within larger corporate structure
- -Changing consumer preferences in footwear retail
- -E-commerce competition from online retailers
Frequently Asked Questions About WSS
Competitors to WSS
No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because WSSoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.
Dick's Sporting Goods Stock Information
Jobs at Dick's Sporting Goods
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