By early 2026, Famous Footwear Australia, another victim of the country’s retail slump, will permanently close its 17 locations and online site after 25 years. Caleres Inc.’s Famous Footwear U.S., on the other hand, is thriving thanks to its alliance with the Jordan Brand, viral marketing efforts, and new management led by Brian Costello. This illustrates two very different destinies under one worldwide brand.
The End of an Era for Australia’s Well-Known Footwear
“We regretfully announce that our journey is coming to an end.”
Thus, after 25 years of operation, Famous Footwear Australia announced its permanent closure, bringing an end to a popular and reasonably priced women’s footwear company.
According to Famous Footwear’s LinkedIn page, the retailer, which is owned by Asco International and is based in Molendinar on the Gold Coast, has 17 locations in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. It also employed over 200 people.
Physical stores will open in early 2026, after its online store closes at midnight on December 31, 2025. A 30% closing-down sale was initiated at 7 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025, as a result of the goodbye message, which was posted on social media with the phrase, “The end of an era.” A last reminder was included in the post: “Once stock is gone, it’s gone.”
- “You guys were excellent; the shoes were really comfy and reasonably priced.”
- “So depressing! For my little feet, you were the only brand that had size 5 boots and heels.
- “Now, where can I find my shoes? One of my favorite shoe stores!
Additionally, former workers posted their recollections online:
- “I had a great time working for Famous; I have so many wonderful memories.”
These sincere remarks demonstrate the strong bond that Famous Footwear Australia has with regular consumers. For many, it was a reliable destination for affordability, convenience, and accessibility—all of which are becoming more and more scarce in the current retail environment.
We’ve reached out to Famous Footwear for comment.
Why Australia’s Well-Known Footwear Closed
The same economic challenges that were plaguing Australia’s broader fashion and footwear business also affected Famous Footwear, despite its devoted clientele, constant traffic, and continuous online interaction. The decision to close was influenced by the continued effects of inflation, declining discretionary expenditure, and rising operating expenses.
The closure follows other well-known shop departures in 2025:
- 113 jobs were lost when the Nike AF-1 franchisee that operated seven stores in Sydney failed.
- Colette by Colette Hayman closed its doors following years of financial difficulties.
- Significant declines were also seen by the Mosaic Brands labels Noni B, Millers, Katies, and Rivers.
- The survival of other brands, such as Wittner, Jeanswest, and Ally Fashion, was difficult.
This is referred to as a “grim retail reality” by both customers and businesses throughout Australia.
Well-known American Footwear Establishes a Foothold with International Brands
As the Australian company gets ready to close, Famous Footwear in the US, which is owned by Caleres Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri, keeps expanding because to smart brand alliances, cutting-edge marketing, and capable leadership.
READ MORE : Aussie shoe retailer Famous Footwear to close down
The launch of the Jordan brand by Famous Footwear
A significant expansion was announced by Caleres in the middle of 2025: a full-chain collaboration with Jordan Brand, which would make it an all-door exclusive for the men’s, women’s, and children’s collections. Jordan joined Adidas, Birkenstock, New Balance, Asics, Reef, and Brooks in the top 10 selling brands of Famous Footwear within a matter of weeks.
According to Caleres CEO Jay Schmidt, the collaboration highlights the retailer’s prowess in executing its brand:
- “This performance demonstrates Famous Footwear’s capacity to effectively launch market-leading brands and provide significant outcomes. Customers choose these brands above others because they hold significant importance for them.
Financial Overview-Difficulties Despite Advancements
Caleres Inc. released the following information for the second quarter of fiscal 2025:
- US $658.52 million in net sales, a 3.6% decrease from US $683.32 million in 2024.
- US $6.71 million in net earnings, a decrease from US $29.96 million in the previous year.
- Comparable sales were -3.4%.
- Category performance: Athletic footwear stayed almost steady, women’s fashion fell, children’s shoes followed market trends, and men’s footwear led advances.
Caleres postponed yearly recommendations because of the uncertainties in the global economy, even if numbers dropped. In an effort to update the in-store experience, it is still experimenting Flair concept stores in a few American locations.
Naturalizer, Sam Edelman, Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s, and Allen Edmonds are also part of the larger Caleres brand portfolio, which strengthens the company’s standing as a multi-label footwear powerhouse.
Famous Footwear’s Successful Viral Marketing
The “Handshake” and “Famous Shake” campaigns were introduced for the 2025 Back-to-School season by creative firm THE MAYOR, which was chosen in 2024 to be Famous Footwear’s U.S. creative partner.
The video, which was filmed in a Famous Footwear shop in New York City, showcased twins dancing to lively music in a TikTok-worthy routine while promoting the Buy One, Get One Half Off deal.
After collaborating with Famous Footwear, this was THE MAYOR’s second Back-to-School campaign and third seasonal campaign. The social challenge combined retail energy with social virality by encouraging followers to learn the dance and post their own films.
Leadership Update-The Appointment of Brian Costello as President
After working in retail for almost 30 years at Nordstrom and Macy’s, Brian Costello was elevated to the position of President of Famous Footwear U.S. in August 2025.
Costello, who arrived earlier this year as Chief Merchandising Officer, was in charge of e-commerce, retail operations, merchandising, and purchasing in both the United States and Canada.
His “strong market relationships” and “planning expertise” were commended by Caleres CEO Jay Schmidt, while Costello stated:
It is a privilege for me to oversee this important area of Caleres’ portfolio. Famous Footwear is in a strong position for the future thanks to the help of our brand partners and motivated employees.
America’s momentum, Australia’s loss
The closing of Famous Footwear in Australia signifies the demise of a community-based, approachable shop that for many years combined cost and comfort.
However, Famous Footwear’s expansion under Caleres in the US demonstrates the value of strategic leadership, digital marketing, and brand alliances.
Two distinct stories with the same name—one ending after 25 years, the other boldly embracing the future.
FAQ’S
Does Nike own Famous Footwear?
No. Caleres Inc., an American footwear manufacturer with its headquarters located in St. Louis, Missouri, is the owner of Famous Footwear, not Nike.
Who is Famous Footwear’s CEO?
Jay Schmidt is the CEO of Caleres Inc., the parent company of Famous Footwear.
Famous Footwear is owned by whom?
Caleres Inc. is the owner of Famous Footwear and other brands, including Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, Sam Edelman, Vionic, and Dr. Scholl’s.
Which shoes are the most popular?
In terms of sports and casual footwear, Nike continues to be the most well-known brand worldwide, closely followed by Adidas and Jordan.
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