Why Sneaker Politics Opened a New Store in Its Hometown 19 Years After Its First
Lafayette has been good to Sneaker Politics.
Nineteen years ago, Derek Curry opened his first Sneaker Politics store in the Louisiana city. Now, with multiple locations both within the state and in Texas, the storeowner has decided to elevate the experience in the place where his business started.
“We wanted to give something back to the city that has done so much for me,” Curry told FN. “I have been planning this new location for the last three years and it’s so amazing to see it finally come to life.”
Sneaker Politics has opened a new Lafayette store, which is located at 4533 Johnston St. The store is located in The Forum, an 8.44-acre commercial mixed-use and multifamily development, which was also founded by Curry. (Sneaker Politics has now closed its previous Lafayette store.)
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The new Sneaker Politics store spans two floors and consumes 3,300 square feet of real estate. In store, consumers can expect the curated selection of footwear that Sneaker Politics has become known for, as well as its inline apparel collections for men, women and kids.
The new store features concrete plaster and blackened metal throughout, and was created with “a monolithic design aesthetic” from the facade to the interior, which the retailer stated “creates a powerful sense of unity and seamlessness.” This consistent design language not only creates a sense of discovery for customers, according to the retailer, but it also the minimalist backdrop also allows for the merchandise “to take center stage.”
Also, the store’s acoustical cloud ceiling has two purposes. Not only does it manage sound reverberation during events and when music is played every day, Sneaker Politics stated with the integration of linear LED lighting, there is a “depth and visual interest” that is created, as well as a “visual guidance” that draws consumer eyes toward key areas or product categories.
The store opening was made possible by consistent sales growth over the years. In 2024, despite industry-wide economic headwinds, Curry confirmed Sneaker Politics saw a 6 percent year-over-year increase.
“The state of retail is in a strange place currently, but our team has been making changes to still have wins in this climate,” Curry said. “[2024 was] our slowest growing year, but in the economy we were operating in, I was extremely happy with that number.”
Although this is the newest Sneaker Politics door, expansion is in the works. Curry confirmed with FN that a Houston location will debut this summer, and he is hoping to break ground “in the next month” on its Dallas headquarters.
“It’s a very exciting year for the brand,” he said.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
