Soccer Post: Leading the Way in Soccer Retail Excellence

Founded in 1978, Soccer Post has grown into the most prominent soccer retail chain in the United States. With its headquarters in Eatontown, New Jersey, the brand entered the franchising world in 1991 and has since established a presence with 26 locations nationwide as of 2021.

Soccer Post specializes in a wide array of soccer gear and apparel, offering customers well-known national brands in equipment, footwear, and clothing, alongside select private label merchandise. Some locations also carry items related to other sports, broadening their appeal and product variety.

The franchise distinguishes itself through its streamlined “turn-key” store model, which includes custom fixtures, innovative display setups, and a carefully curated inventory.

Training

Soccer Post provides a structured training program to support the successful launch and operation of its franchises:

1. Initial Training Program
   The Initial Training is mandatory for the franchisee (or Operating Principal if the franchisee is an entity) and the General Manager. It includes classroom and on-the-job components covering topics like POS systems, retail skills, safety, store management, merchandising, and more. This program must be completed at least 30 days before the franchise opens.
2. Additional Training
   If a new General Manager is hired or if existing personnel need updating, they must complete Additional Training provided by the Franchisor. This can also include seminars, refresher courses, and development programs that may be held online or at designated locations.
3. Annual Conference and Mandatory Meetings
   Franchisees or their Operating Principals are required to attend the Franchisor’s Annual Conference and other mandatory meetings. These sessions are used for updates on operations, standards, and business strategy alignment.
4. Onsite Opening Assistance
   On request and for an additional fee, Soccer Post may provide onsite opening support, including trainers who assist in preparing the franchise location for launch.

Territory Protection

Soccer Post does not offer exclusive territorial rights to its franchisees. The franchise agreement explicitly states that franchisees will not receive an exclusive territory and may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative distribution channels.

This means that the franchisor reserves the right to open and operate additional locations within the same market or to authorize others to do so. Additionally, Soccer Post retains broad rights to engage in online and alternative forms of sales and marketing, which may indirectly impact the franchisee’s market.

Franchisees are allowed to operate only at their designated Franchise Location and must receive prior approval for participation in promotional events outside this location. This arrangement underscores that territory protection is limited, and franchisees do not have guaranteed market exclusivity.