Japan’s Atmos to shutter North American operations

Japanese footwear retailer Atmos announced on Wednesday plans to close its three North American stores and cease its online operations in the region.

Acquired by Foot Locker two years ago, the Tokyo-based company said that decision reflects a strategic move to focus its attention on Asia, and local Japanese market.

“The atmos brand has a unique and authentic identity, character and spirit. Given the strength of atmos in Japan and Asia, we are focused on further investing in this market. Though in line with this focus and our plans for simplification, we have made the strategic decision to close our three atmos stores in North America and our atmos U.S. website,” said Patrick Walsh, Atmos’ senior vice president and general manager, in a statement via WWD.

​“We are confident that this is the right move for atmos and will help us continue to work in service of bringing sneaker and street culture to our customers in Asia.”

​Founded in 2000 in Harajuku, Tokyo, Atmos went on to open three stores in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., as well as a U.S.-dedicated e-commerce store. In 2021, the company was acquired by lifestyle retailer Foot Locker for $360 million.

In its most recent trading update, Foot Locker saw its half-year sales fall 10.6 % to $3.8 billion, while its net profit fell to $31 million, compared with $227 million the previous year.