Walked into a local store and one of their "experts" was a girl that used to cut my hair and has been running all of 3 years. Never went back to that store.
Walked into a local store and one of their "experts" was a girl that used to cut my hair and has been running all of 3 years. Never went back to that store.
k guys wrote:
You guys don't understand how run specialty works... Run specialty doesn't care about you, the fast runner. People who can run a BQ or faster don't spend money in stores. Fast and high volume runners either
A. Get there stuff for free.
B. know what they need and can find the old model on line
C. Know some one in the industry to buy it for them at 60% less.
Run specialty is for new and casual runners who need the piece of mind to be in the right shoe. They are also for the stay at home wife who has a household income of 150k+ where they have no problem buying a $150 shoe, $50 insole, 3 $12 dollar socks and $400 in apparel that gets excited because she will earn points on her disney credit card.
Selling racing flats is the quickest way to lose money. Running shoes have TERRIBLE margin any way. Most shoes are bought by the store at 50% and half of what you order you have to mark down 20% of 9 months so you only make 30%... Oh and you pay 10% shipping so now you only made 20% on that shoe.
Running stores are about selling the rest of the store. Shoes are just the bait. Everyone needs shoes, but everyone wants to coolest looking shit or race belt or sweaty band or compression socks. Shit that most fast runners never even thought about buying.
You have probably had bad experience in running stores because you are a cocky a hole who thinks they know more about running and running shoes then the employee working there. And you might, but I am sure you let them know it. When I worked in a running store, fast D-bags would come in a say they new what they needed and would spew shit about the heel drop and the stability pieces and they would be dead wrong. Then argue with you.
Had a guy say he needed the Brooks Adrenaline, so I got it for him. He talked about running a 2:40 marathon. As he left he said "I don't get why you guys sell stability shoes, I have read studies that they are bad for you body." Even fast runners don't know shit.
This is correct. Faster/experienced runners don't spend money, new runners do. Sorry if that offends you, but running stores need to make money. Its simple economics.
The arrogance of some sub elites drives me crazy. You hate hobby joggers but fail to realize they are what makes races/stores profitable and possible. Without the 20k+ people registering for a big city marathon, its not financially possible to shut down the streets. Same goes for your local shops, you buy nothing there, but expect them to cater to you. You don't think you need them, but also don't realize that if they don't encourage the newer runners, there are no more local races. You think you own the sport, but in reality you contribute almost nothing to it. You should be encouraging everyone's interest - more interest equals more opportunities for you. You should be happy that anyone is even remotely interested in running.
I think you all perhaps have higher expectations for the quality of a running store employee than you should. While it's true that sometimes a decent college runner might work there or that the store is owned by a guy who knows a lot about running, you're still looking at part-time retail sales positions that barely pay more than minimum wage. You're just not going to find quality employees consistently in a field that employs cheap labor.
I agree with the poster who says that these stores aren't really for us. We can stop by one if we're in a bind and need something, but we're informed enough to shop elsewhere on a regular basis. The store is for people who need much more of an introduction to running.
I'm saddened that running stores carry fewer flats than ever before. It's just not their market anymore. All that really drew me in was to try on new racing shoes and since racing shoes were typically cheaper than trainers I didn't feel bad if I bought a slightly marked up racing shoe from a running store once in a while. Now that they carry fewer of them and prices for racers have gone up I've lost 99% of my reason to go to a running store. I only go there to browse socks now.
Haven't seen the inside of a running store in years. Don't plan to ever again. Amazon is cheaper, has better selection, and is more convenient.
Are you aware of the way Amazon treats its employees? No civilised society would allow it, but I suppose the UK (and US?) no longer come under that heading!
That said, I do buy most of my running gear online, because the nearest specialist store is too far away, just not from Amazon!
+100. Ya'll don't buy shoes there because you're too smart for the personnel, but somehow the store is going to make enough money to employ rocket scientists. Wow, what an amazing economics mind you are. Stick to running. Plug for TCRC...the owners/managers know their stuff and their staff is not randomly selected.
Retail is undergoing a massive shift, and all but a few are going to be left standing. I can see some running stores making it because they fit a very small niche, so the stores really are a "running boutique".
So some stores will make it, but you won't have a Fleet Feet in every strip mall.
I disagree.In New Jersey, the running stores (Miles Ahead and Runner's High) are by far the best place to get information and gear. Support your local small businesses!!!
How long to get shoes from amazon
I never go to running shops. The shoes are always priced at something ridiculous like £120 and the pressure is on to buy something otherwise I feel terrible.
I usually go into a running store and look at the different types of shoes they have. I then talk to the people, usually the owner, about what works best for me. I'm not fat, but at 235lbs I need some cushioning in the shoe. I then buy online as most stores don't carry size 17 shoes. Sure they can special order it but it takes awhile.