Foot Locker ((FL) ) was once the heart of sneaker culture — a place where new drops sparked lines around the block and shoppers could count on expert help from its iconic “Stripers.” But in recent years,

Dick’s Sporting Goods is buying the struggling footwear chain Foot Locker for about $2.4 billion, the second buyout of a major footwear company this year as business leaders struggle with U.S.

The combined company will have a competitive edge in the Nike sneaker market and will provide Dick's access to international markets, plus a younger consumer.