Running stores

I wish running stores had more than 1-2 employees that knew what they were talking about. It stinks to go into a store to learn about shoes/find a new shoe to only have a zit-faced high school or college kid try to help - it is VERY clear when these kids are blowing smoke. I suppose that's what happens when you pay $8/hour?

I have a good idea of what i want when i go in, but when im looking at a new pair ive never tried, I just want to try them on. You can get shoes for so much less online.

Yes, you're an arse.

Not sure if you can get shoes cheaper online, maybe the older models. We sell the shoes here the same as they are through the dealer online. We also give back into our local community. We do this by sponsoring a junior high cross country program through local schools (free timing, uniforms, etc.), sponsor local road races (giving shoes, gift certificates, awards, networking with the races, etc.), we also provide 15% off for high school and college athletes and numerous other local activities. The store is locally owned, with a knowledgeable staff. Buy online, that money is going to some millionaire sitting in his mansion on a hillside in California or somewhere. We are having great success despite the economy because of the local support we have.

I almost always try in the store and then buy online. I feel a little guilty about it, but that's the way it is.

I'm a running store guy/owner. If you are a college runner, I understand the need to save some cash. This happens at our store, but it is very rare. I suggest you tell the owner or manager your intentions and why you are buying online. I would match or come very close in certain situations. If you're a penny pincher just trying to save a couple bucks and abusing the knowledge, experience, and/or convenience of the store then I'll just send you on your way. I also work with people who come in, say that money is tight (and right now that too often), then I'll see if I can find last year's model or a model that will be updated soon and offer our club discount. Talk to the people in charge there, if they're good people and part of the running community, they'll probably try to work something out. Don't haggle, just lay the situation out there. Remember you do have to pay for service and convenience, even if you are more knowledgeable than the people working there.

furreal wrote:

I feel like an arse when I go to running shops just to try on shoes that I am going to eventually buy online. Maybe its just me, anyone else feel this way?

You are an arse. At least buy the first pair at the store where you have taken advantage of their services. If you want to stay in the same model you can buy subsequent pairs online.

You should because you are wasting someones time. I'll pay a little more to have a place where I can try on shoe, get a feel for them and some info. Plus you can always ask if there is some deals going on. Most shops will work with you if they know you are going to become a customer and not just a guy buying shoes once.

yes,you are an arse and deserve to have pretty much everything local in your life disappear for doing that. you need to be stuck bitching on the internet how you dont' have any place to try on that obscure new pair of nike flats that you're too chicken shit to order online without tryin them on. Oh wait, YOU were the one that put the local place oout of business. Think globally, act locally, don't be a jerk for a small amount of money, it will come back to bite you in the ass. Have a small amount of ethics for a few dollars or a few euros.

signed, the local running guy trying to feed his kids so that they can grow up and have a greater sense of responsibility to their community than you do.

but pay an extra $20+ just to try them on. I already know what I want, I dont need them to evaluate my gait, Im not asking them to tell me what shoe to wear, I just want to walk around in it for a few minutes.

"... I dont need them to evaluate my gait..."

You mean gayt, right?

I don't wear nike. Are you the store owner that tries to sell me the $150 Hurricanes, because they they are Runner's World top picks this month, thinking Im some dumbass hobby jogger? Now I know why I shop online. Oh and the shop didn't even have my size in anything. Have fun with your community! You're such a productive member of society.

And yeah...thats what I meant...gayt, good one.

I am an idiot.

Find out if your local running store has a club you can join for discounts. If the employees are idiot kids, find a better store.

I get 10-20% off on everything I buy at the local store, plus they organize group runs, help with local races, and only hire actual knowledgeable runners, not high school kids. Given all this, I have NO problem buying almost everything from them (I buy shorts online because it's WAY cheaper, but it's not like I go try them on in the store first).

SalukiAlum wrote:

Buy online, that money is going to some millionaire sitting in his mansion on a hillside in California or somewhere.

how do you know that for sure? If it really is true, what's wrong with that?

answer: nothing is wrong with that.

nothing is wrong with it, that's true. but if you enjoy and use the services that the local running community provides, there's something to be said for supporting that rather than supporting the millionaire living in his mansion.

to the OP, obviously you feel the store provides SOME service or benefit or you would buy online without going to the store first -- is it not worth the $5 you're going to save? not to mention shipping time, etc.

now if your local store is terrible, i understand more ... i realize a lot of stores try to sell you a more expensive shoe than you need or just flat out jack up prices, but if that's the case hopefully you can find a quality running store ... it's not like they're in short supply anymore!

I'm sure the local running store will notice if one customer starts shopping online.

Well if you think like that, the store doesn't need you in there wasting their time. But I see your point, thats why you should find a good shop that offers more. The shop I go to is around 10 or less but they offer a frequent buyers program, monthly fun runs with food and raffles that some shoe rep is there, free seminars, team discounts and much more.