SNIPES: Connecting Streetwear Culture to Local Communities
SNIPES is one of the leading global retailers for streetwear and sneakers, with more than 750 stores worldwide and a growing presence across the United States. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, SNIPES has become a go-to destination for sneakerheads and streetwear fans who want the latest drops from their favorite brands alongside community-driven events and experiences.
History and Areas Served
Founded in 1998, SNIPES started with a single store in Essen, Germany and quickly grew into a European retail powerhouse. The company expanded its footprint across Europe before entering the U.S. market in 2019 through acquisitions of well-known sneaker chains like KicksUSA and Jimmy Jazz. Today, SNIPES operates hundreds of stores across major U.S. cities while continuing to thrive in European markets.
SNIPES’ influence isn’t just in its stores—it lives online too. Shoppers can follow along with the latest releases and cultural moments through SNIPES’ Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages, where the retailer frequently highlights exclusive drops, local events, and partnerships with artists and athletes.
Products and Brands
SNIPES is a hub for the biggest sneaker and apparel brands in the world. Shoppers will find coveted footwear from Nike, Jordan, adidas, New Balance, Puma, and Vans, alongside streetwear apparel and accessories from brands like The North Face, Karl Kani, and SNIPES’ own in-house label. The retailer’s mix of heritage brands and exclusive collaborations keeps its assortment fresh, relevant, and tightly connected to sneaker and streetwear culture.
Why Shoppers Prefer SNIPES
Shoppers choose SNIPES because it’s more than just a store—it’s a culture hub. Streetwear and sneaker communities rely heavily on knowing what’s in stock nearby, and research shows that 76% of people who search for something “near me” on their phone visit a related store within 24 hours, with 28% making a purchase. Retailers like SNIPES bridge that online-to-offline gap by letting shoppers discover products digitally and then head into local stores to pick up their favorites.
As we’ve covered on the Locally blog, the connection between online discovery and local purchase is stronger than ever. When shoppers see that a pair of Jordans or adidas Superstars is available at a nearby SNIPES store, they’re much more likely to head in and buy on the spot.
From the Locally Team:
“We’re thrilled to welcome SNIPES to the Locally platform. Their commitment to connecting sneaker and streetwear culture to local communities aligns perfectly with our mission of helping shoppers find and buy what they want nearby. We know sneaker fans want convenience without losing the community connection, and SNIPES delivers that in a big way.”
— Scott Albright, VP of Retail at Locally
Closing Thoughts
SNIPES proves that sneaker and streetwear culture is strongest when it’s rooted in local communities. By showing shoppers exactly where products are available, they’re helping fans stay connected to the culture while making it easier to get the products they love.
Brands looking to support retailers like SNIPES should explore how Locally can help them share real-time inventory, drive foot traffic, and build stronger dealer networks. Learn more about how Locally’s tools can connect your products to shoppers where it matters most—right in their own neighborhoods.
