City Gear

City Gear is a well-regarded retailer specializing in urban footwear, apparel, and accessories, with a strong presence in the southern and midwestern United States. The company was founded in 1978 in Memphis, Tennessee, starting as a single store that catered to the local community's demand for athletic and lifestyle products. Over the years, City Gear has expanded its reach, becoming known for its selection of top brands such as Nike, Jordan, and Adidas, and for its deep ties to local sneaker and streetwear culture.

A significant milestone in City Gear's history was its acquisition by Hibbett Sports, Inc. in November 2018. This acquisition allowed City Gear to integrate its urban specialty model into the larger framework of Hibbett’s operations. As of November 2025, City Gear operates approximately 135 stores across 15 states, with a focus on metropolitan areas like Memphis, Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago. These stores are strategically located in bustling urban shopping centers and malls, providing a lively and community-focused shopping experience.

In recent years, City Gear has continued to expand selectively, concentrating on urban markets with robust youth demographics and a vibrant sneaker culture. The brand has opened new stores in key cities such as Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago, with plans for further growth in 2026. This expansion is supported by Hibbett’s resources, enabling City Gear to relocate existing stores to higher-traffic areas and enhance its merchandising and omnichannel capabilities.

For commercial real estate professionals, City Gear represents a credible and stable tenant. Its consistent store format and affiliation with Hibbett Sports make it an attractive addition to urban retail developments. The company's strategic growth approach, combining new store openings and relocations, underscores its commitment to serving underserved urban markets while maintaining a strong connection to its core customer base.