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?
Make sure that there's a monopoly on all things running in your town. Leach off all of the local companies.
best gear at a great price. endless returns when it doesn't work out. Cheering, encouragement and support. Fresh coffee and baked goods for free. Public restrooms for pre/post run relief. Free training advice and race plans for all. Great pay for employees. Free gear at weekly running injury clinics and free core sessions. Buckle up this is going to be great.
There are a lot of things my local running store is missing that would only sell to me, so I understand.
For merch - quarter socks and body glide.
Maybe organize some group runs for serious runners - not just the standard 3-5 miles for beginners and hobby joggers.
So OP bought a running store and your advice is FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE?
RIP
mukhalani wrote:
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?
I thought running stores were outdated nowadays? Difficult to make them profitable?
mukhalani wrote:
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?
You got this. Idiot.
https://www.reddit.com/r/running/comments/1rvnmr0/just_bought_a_running_store_what_is_one_thing/
both of mine don't have adidas shoes for some reason
mukhalani wrote:
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?
Follow Eugene running co on instagram. That’s your template. THAT is how a running store should be.
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
Our local store does a lot for the local middle and high school XC teams. The first thing you see when you go in is singlets from all of the local middle schools, high schools, and small colleges in the area. They come out and give a talk about types of shoes and spikes, and they'll do basic gait assessments at practices. They give 15% discounts for kids on local teams. Our boosters program also buys a bunch of gift cards for the end of the season banquet, but the store usually donates two or three as well.
Obviously some of these things will cost you a money, but they get kids into your store and make them regulars.
Kind of specialize in middle school running. If schools near you don't have middle school xc and outdoor track do whatever you can to support them. Basically middle school is the most lucrative shoe market AND you can also develop customers for life. By lucrative I mean their feet are growing so each kid you get in 6th grade will likely need 6 pairs before HS. Elementary school races can help set you up for middle school but you don't want to go to far in elementary because they won't really buy specific shoes.
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.
La Marzocco and local pastries.
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