Starting a Running Shoe Store (Advice, Thoughts & Resources) ?

Is this 1997?

Maybe I’ll drop by your archaic store after I run by Kinkos or check my answering machine to see if you returned my call.

Love trying on shoes at your snooty stores. Sorry, runner boy, but price trumps all else. Amazon and other online dealers are always cheaper. And service sucks in those running stores as unless you’re an ortho PT, you have no business recommending the best shoe type. And most runners I know run for solitude, not to do group fun runs and pound beers after a 2 mile shuffle just to be part of some “community”.

Thanks for this.

I always feel sorry for these store owners.

I used to support them but that was 20 years ago when money was growing on trees.

Today not so much.

Also, running shoes are horrendously overpriced, not the store owners fault. But I am not willing to pay $100+ for some lousy running shoes produced in some Asian sweatshop, which last not even 500 miles.

$75 max, that's what I am willing to pay.

+1. Same. I long ago stopped preferring brick and mortar for anything. In the running biz I cannot imagine how anyone paying rent and payroll can make it work. The consumer can scrounge online for deals, read endless reviews, scrounge again for online coupons. You can't possibly compete. Now, add onto this all of the Corona stuff, there is no WAY even the most successful current running retail stores will be doing well this year or next. Just say no to trying to start a running store.

I buy last years shoes online, sorry wrote:

Thanks for this.

I always feel sorry for these store owners.

I used to support them but that was 20 years ago when money was growing on trees.

Today not so much.

Also, running shoes are horrendously overpriced, not the store owners fault. But I am not willing to pay $100+ for some lousy running shoes produced in some Asian sweatshop, which last not even 500 miles.

$75 max, that's what I am willing to pay.

That's the easy way to avoid failure - and success. If you do it in a way that works that all that matters. If you follow the standard store operating procedures you'll get similar results. Real entrepreneurs do things differently to make it work. For example, what about "store" that comes to the client?

OP RunningShoestore, if you are still around please contact me.

Hey there, guys. I've recently come up with the same idea of opening a shoe shop. I'd be grateful if you gave me some relevant advice on where to start nowadays. Is it still better to have an online store, or a real small store would still be a good idea? How can I promote it?

I work in a local running store but we are more than shoes. We offer training groups, group runs, other related events, etc. so you have the sense of community along with selling shoes (and apparel). This is why people want to buy from us rather than just order online. We also have loyalty programs and events for top customers and training group members.

And just realized this is a zombie post. Did you open a store?

can you set up your store with access to a pharmacist for all their running needs?

COVID certainly did catalyze the trajectory of the industry over the past few years. People want to shop online from home and there are more good options than ever for that. In terms of LRS physical stores, there has been rapid consolidation and acquisition (RSG -> JackRabbit -> Fleet Feet) to better compete for a shrinking piece of the pie getting eaten up by online retail giants. If you aren't going to be a full-service shop with races and events, training groups, fun runs, even a coffee bar or beer tap to differentiate from other brick & mortar shops as well as the ease of online shopping then you're doomed from the outset. Even if you do all that right, your margins will be razor thin.