Journeys

So here's the thing about Journeys-it's basically been the go-to shoe spot for teens since 1986, but honestly? It's way more than just another mall store selling sneakers.

With approximately 1,200 stores nationwide, you've probably walked past one without even thinking twice. But Journeys has this whole vibe going on that's kind of hard to pin down. It's not trying to be Foot Locker (actually, it's described as the anti-Foot Locker), and that's the point. The stores feel different-less sterile, more... lived-in? Like someone actually curated the music and the aesthetic instead of just slapping up some posters.

What really sets them apart is the brand lineup. You'll find Converse, Vans, Crocs, Birkenstock, HeyDude, Dr. Martens, UGG, Timberland, New Balance, adidas, and more all under one roof. And that's kind of genius when you think about it-because who wants to hit five different stores when you're trying to find the perfect pair of Docs or those classic Chuck Taylors? They've basically become a one-stop shop for anyone who cares about footwear but doesn't want to spend their entire Saturday hunting through department stores.

But here's where it gets interesting. In 2011, Journeys started the "Attitude That Cares" program to encourage its employees to get involved locally in community outreach & service. They've also partnered with music festivals and artists-in 2014, Journeys began its partnership with the Vans Warped Tour, becoming its Presenting Sponsor for its 20th Anniversary tour. So they're not just selling shoes; they're actually embedded in youth culture in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

The company is owned by Genesco, a Nashville-based footwear giant that's been around since 1924. The company's new corporate offices are located at 535 Marriott Drive in Nashville and occupy approximately two thirds of the facility's 310,000 square feet of space. That's a lot of space dedicated to keeping teens and young adults looking fresh.

And get this-Journeys offers a 365-day return policy for items in new condition with the original receipt. A full year! That's practically unheard of in retail. Most places give you 30, maybe 90 days if you're lucky. But Journeys is basically saying, "Take your time, we trust you." That kind of customer-first mentality is rare these days.

The employee perks aren't bad either. Employees get 40% OFF ALL PURCHASES, which is pretty sweet if you're into shoes (and let's be honest, if you're working at Journeys, you probably are). Plus, over 60% of their home office employees started their careers at Journeys, working in their stores, so there's real upward mobility if you want it.

The stores themselves have this whole aesthetic thing going on. Every store is designed to welcome, inspire, and include each shopper. Self-expression isn't just accepted, it's encouraged through shelves of unique merchandise, exclusive digital content, and a friendly staff that reflects the company's values. Notice how they don't say "employees"-they say "staff that reflects the company's values." That's intentional.

They've even gotten into the resale game. In 2023, Journeys announced "Journeys Second-Hand," a resale program geared towards serving Journeys shoppers with more fashion and apparel options in an environmentally-conscious way, allowing customers to shop secondhand apparel directly from Journeys' website and resell gently-worn items for Journeys shopping credit. So they're thinking about sustainability, which is smart given their target demographic cares about that stuff.

The brand has evolved beyond just the main Journeys concept too. Journeys operates five retail concepts across North America including Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground by Journeys and Little Burgundy. Each one targets a slightly different customer, but they all share that same DNA of being trend-focused and youth-oriented.