Completely agree here, the only reason I go into the local running store for shoes is to try it on and buy it that day. If they tell me they need to order it, I'll do so myself and have it shipped to my house. Additionally, it is very off putting to go into a running store and have multiple employees stare you down the instant you go into the store and watch you the entire time you're in there. I understand they are trying to be helpful, but I have started going to Dick's Sporting Goods or other big retailers to try on running shoes so I don't have to deal with an employee standing over me asking me how things feel the second I put them on when I'm just looking to test out a few different models in a low pressure situation.
Have a super wide selection of nutrition products (gels, chews, drink mixes, etc).
Marathon & ultra folks buy a ton of that stuff, and it's awesome to be able to try different brands and flavors to figure out what you like best. The year of my first ultra, I probably spent $300 on nutrition products from my local running store. And I probably make 10 trips in there to buy it, undoubtedly resulting in other purchases as well.
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.
Nice in theory, but what shop is going to have every possible running shoe someone might have in every possible size?
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.
Nice in theory, but what shop is going to have every possible running shoe someone might have in every possible size?
I know this thread is crap from reddit but I want to comment on this specific point regardless, because it's an important one. And the reality is if you want compete as a brick and mortar in 2026 you MUST have stock on hand, or you won't be able to justify your existence very long. I know that creates a lot of overhead for stores, but it's possible, my local running shop does it. Does that mean you have a size 14 wide in every shoe? Of course not.
Studies have shown over and over once a physical store loses a customer to an internet competitor, they generally don't come back. So you better be in a position to take their money and deliver product at the moment they want to spend it. But if maintaining physical inventory isn't a priority, the market will decide how long you get to stay in business. And it probably won't be long.
Economical price point on shoes. Every shoe is $160 or more at my local store, and it’s all Hoka and similar newbies. I want my ASICS. You seriously need a $100k plus income to shop there so I buy everything online.
Hey everyone, I'm a long-time runner and gear nerd, and I just took the plunge and bought an existing running store. I don't want to be just another retail spot. I want to build a community hub. What is something your local shop does (or doesn't do) that makes you loyal to them?
Spikes in all sizes. Dicks only carries small ones and when you need them on meet day, it would be super helpful to have them locally. Also, rubber spike track shoes for kids (our middle school track programs don’t allow them.) If you are trying to build a community, I’d hire someone to coach a track workout and make plans for individuals. Another community idea, is to pick a race to participate in and follow the same training plan. Our local run club did it for a 50K and people made a lot of friends. I would also like a variety of fuel to try with different flavors, brands.
Congrats. The word "community" has already been mentioned. But I would like to mention it again. In USA, real, meaningful community is lacking in most people's lives. Here is a piece of advice that was given to me many years ago: "Don't just focus on building a business in your community, but build a community around and within your business." If you can do that, then you will likely succeed. If there is a strong sense of community, you don't have to have the lowest prices or the best selection, because people are so hungry for something else that you offer...real community. My 2 cents.
Just make sure you carry all shoes and all sizes. That way it will allow customers to make sure that they have the right size before they buy the shoes online
When I lived in Vermont we had a favorite running store in Northampton, MA. Great people, great advice, good selection. But people did just that. And then lamented when the store was gone! What a loss. Over a few % points remove the store that supports the community. Sad.
Just make sure you carry all shoes and all sizes. That way it will allow customers to make sure that they have the right size before they buy the shoes online
When I lived in Vermont we had a favorite running store in Northampton, MA. Great people, great advice, good selection. But people did just that. And then lamented when the store was gone! What a loss. Over a few % points remove the store that supports the community. Sad.
This dude's communication style is similar to Masked Off's.
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.
Though this is a valid point, a "real" running store will do a gait analysis of some sort, ask about training, injury history etc. After this process, if they don't have your size (which can happen in smaller shops) ordering a shoe is the only option and they have just provided you with significant information about the kind of shoe you should wear beyond just SIZE. I have a feeling that customers like this will leave the store and order the shoes online anyway. Part of the difficulty of Specialty Stores.
Though this is a valid point, a "real" running store will do a gait analysis of some sort, ask about training, injury history etc. After this process, if they don't have your size (which can happen in smaller shops) ordering a shoe is the only option and they have just provided you with significant information about the kind of shoe you should wear beyond just SIZE. I have a feeling that customers like this will leave the store and order the shoes online anyway. Part of the difficulty of Specialty Stores.
Adding to this, having a decent in-store treadmill would be useful for gait analysis and ensuring customers are comfortable with shoe feel and performance.