Foot Locker Unveils Reimagined Store at Imperial Valley Mall

A longtime name in athletic footwear has introduced a new store experience to Imperial Valley shoppers.

On September 5, 2026, Foot Locker celebrated the opening of its newly reimagined location at the Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S. Dogwood Rd. in El Centro, with a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The opening represents more than a new look for the retailer. Foot Locker says the location was designed to serve as a welcoming destination where customers can discover products, express their individual style and connect through a shared interest in sneakers.

A Retail Brand with California Roots

Foot Locker traces its corporate history to the company that eventually became the Woolworth Co., while the first Foot Locker store opened in California in 1974.

Since then, the retailer has developed an international presence centered on athletic footwear and apparel. Foot Locker describes its mission as igniting the “inner sneakerhead” in the customers it serves while celebrating sports, style and sneaker culture.

Its portfolio includes Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos.

A Reimagined Experience in El Centro

For its Imperial Valley Mall location, Foot Locker emphasized creating an environment that goes beyond the traditional retail experience.

The company said the store is intended to be a place where neighbors can come together, discover new products and feel welcomed and valued each time they visit.

Foot Locker also expressed its intention to deepen its relationship with El Centro and surrounding communities by listening, developing lasting local relationships and creating opportunities that bring people together.

The Team Behind the Opening

Foot Locker credited its employees and leadership with bringing the reimagined location to life, recognizing the work involved in preparing the store, developing new skills and creating the customer experience envisioned for the location.

The company specifically recognized Store Managers Amy Zepeda and Rosemary Marquez, Juan Soza and Jimmy Shea from the Store Initiatives team, Regional Sales Director Teresa Esparza, and Geo Vice President Mac Smigielski, along with team members and leaders from Yuma, San Diego and Los Angeles.

According to Foot Locker, those employees will play an important role in shaping how the store connects with El Centro in the years ahead.

A New Chapter at Imperial Valley Mall

The September 5 ribbon cutting officially marked this next chapter for Foot Locker in the Imperial Valley. IVRCC congratulates the Foot Locker team on the opening of its reimagined location and welcomes the company’s continued investment in creating a retail experience for residents and visitors to the region.

Foot Locker: Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S. Dogwood Rd.#1140, El Centro, CA 92243

Celebrating a Business Milestone?

IVRCC facilitates ribbon cutting ceremonies for eligible Chamber members celebrating grand openings, expansions, relocations, anniversaries and other special milestones.

These ceremonies help businesses introduce important developments to the community while creating additional visibility around their investment and growth in the Imperial Valley.

Businesses interested in scheduling a ribbon cutting can contact IVRCC at (760) 352-7413 to learn more about this membership benefit.