Just bought a running store. What is one thing your local shop is missing?

You're a sucker. Bulk maltodextrin and fructose are pennies on the dollar.

So basically we're training an AI

Also market toward local middle and HS soccer/basketball/tennis teams. Every young athlete needs a good pair of running shoes for off-the-pitch/court training.

Rather than holding just community fun runs, organize/sponsor weekly track workouts open to all. Many adults who began running post-college would relish an opportunity for track sessions--including warm-up drills and a mix of intervals--in a group setting guided by runners with competitive team experience.

I saw someone earlier say having a place to watch the Diamond Leagues, USAs, Worlds, Olympics, any big meets. I would love that idea. Maybe make it a happy hour when those meets happen. I would be really interested to see if something like that can attract lots of people.

I agree that a lot of these running stores are missing out on reaching out to actual running nerds

No my personal jam but get a big run club to start from your store and foster some loyalty you’ll be laughing. People who want all the gear and plenty of disposable income to keep up appearances. Will work very well if you’re near a hipster coffee place.

would love to see a way to have a hangout place where local runners and visitors can just come in and visit. Some run stores just don't have the space I know, but back in San Diego the Movin Shoes store always felt like a warm inviting place to visit... not just always coming in to buy stuff. would love to see that.

Our local running store has an ambassador program where anyone can sign up and receive a free tech shirt with the store's name on it. You can earn points toward discounts at the store by wearing it at races and run club events around the area as either a participant or a volunteer. All ambassadors are encouraged to post about the store on their IG feeds and stories.
They are in the second year of the program and I see tons of shirts on people at every local event.

It's marketing genius.

Things you could do to differentiate and bring people in:

1. A great sales/clearance rack

2. High quality stride analysis

3. Vetted information about good doctors, preferably who run seriously themselves; info on nearby clinics that offer Vo2 max and related treadmill tests. [Perhaps you can arrange a referral fee?]

4. Bulletin board

5. Running club or weekly runs from the store

I think a running club is always a good way to pull in support. Some couch to 5k training
seminars or other training like marathon training guides. Share local upcoming 5k, 10k, etc race information, either online or at the store.

A big one as mentioned from others, connection to local middle and high school track / cross country programs. Also depending on the town, college run clubs.

I also think some more access to smaller brands. Maybe you don't stock a bunch, but smaller brands not normally in the States. I think like Pumas, Kiprun, Diadora, etc. Brands you won't find at other stores. Like Fleet Foots have like Onns and Hokas, etc.

I would recommend going to some other sales vehicles. I think more running stores should sell supplement like iron, collogen, things like pre-works, etc for runners.

You need to sell service. Service is something that can not be bought online. Brick and mortar is going to be beat on internet pricing.

Let's be honest, don't focus on the wants and needs of this message board. You'll probably drive the most revenue from walkers, older people looking (or referred) for better shoes, nurses.

With that said, involvement in the community and local race scene is huge. I now shop at a Fleet Feet in my town because they sponsor a race series I like to do (among other events) and are just friendly.

I would like to see some more knowledge of the high end side of the sport (not the trails or ultras), but that is JUST ME

Look up Cody Angell at St Pete Running Company. He's had major success in Florida. He might share a few pointers if you're not local competition.

I work at a running store. Here are some things I've learned.

Getting Adidas and Asics shoes to sell as an independent dealer is quite troublesome. They both have a tier based dealer system, where you have to sell X amount of their crappier shoes to get your hands on the good stuff(super shoes). I don't think this has changed, but I could be wrong.

Look into selling hiking shoes OR work boots if not already. They are quite popular and margins are a bit better.

Hokas and Brooks are our shabang. We sell tons to every day people.

Our finances are pretty healthy. We have around 8 employees. Store has been open for 50 years now.

I have to admit, it's been a while since I've been in a running store, and even longer since I've bought anything in one. The selection just isn't as good as online.

That being said, it always turns me off when the employees clearly are at best casual runners. I don't think they need to be elite runners by any means, but they should be people who really understand what runners need -- from new runners to long time runners & racers.

Running clubs and showing up to support road races, XC & track meets are good too.

dont follow around your patrons like theyre trying to steal from you or at least dont make it obvious.

You really bought a walking shoe store. And you'll sell a lot of shoes to people who stand up at work all day. Some runners will also stop in occasionally. Congrats and good luck.

Or a juice bar. Jamba Juice is my favorite recovery drink.