Basics wrote:
If I walk in and you don’t have the shoe I’m interested in my size but can “order it” that is the last time I walk in your store. I can order it cheaper online, I’m walking in your store because I want to try the shoe on and have it that day.
I’ve seen more than one shop fail because they couldn’t deliver this most basic thing.
This. The only reason I have to go into a brick-and-mortar store is to physically look at and try on shoes that I haven't run in before. If I find something I like, I'll buy it there even though it's cheaper online. If the store has to order it anyway, it makes more sense for me to order it online (cheaper) and return it if it doesn't work.
I also second Kvothe's suggestion to sponsor group runs for serious runners.