Do we actually need running shoe stores?

Apart from the VIP discount, you can always find an additional 10% discount code for Road Runner Sports online. retailmenot.com is one of the biggest coupon-code sites. I use the code on top of my VIP discount.

I never buy anything in the RRS store. I'll try it on, then order it online with VIP and whatever extra coupon I can find.

Another member of the retail work force here.

The shops you describe sound like pretty terrible stores in general, not just specific to running stores. Maybe they are poorly managed by people living in the bygone "internet free era."

The reality of running stores is this: There is no money in elite runners. I wish there was, I really enjoy interacting with someone who is truly passionate about running, but that runner doesn't need me. As stated over and over again you know what you want, and how to find it on sale and my opinion likely doesn't have much value to has been running for 20+ years.

I'm not making excuses for running retail, there is a lot of problems out there that have already been expressed several times. There are more hobby joggers out there than there are 2:30 marathoners.

Aren't we seeing consolidation of running stores into medium-sized corporate chains? Was BRC bought out by Finish Line? If you click on the "Careers" link on their webpage you are sent to a Finish Line HR splash page. Just speculating, but I imagine we will see a slimming down of sorts, a retrenchment of individually owned running stores in weaker suburban markets. Über-wealthy areas like the SF Bay and NYC area probably have the population density to support boutique specialty retail in the age of Amazon, but they will have to really work for it by providing loyalty through community building (group runs, races, talks, etc.). Oh, Free Market. You are a fickle mistress.

outofstock wrote:

Stores never seem to have the model or size I want. They always say they can order it but I can do that on my own via Eastbay, Running Warehouse, RRS or ebay...and usually at a lower cost.

THIS.

It's like they haven't heard of the internet yet. Carry my size (a popular size none the less) or don't get my business.

slowtwitch13 wrote:

I feel that this is a common misconception held on these boards. A quick look at the website you mention above, shows the following prices for these current shoe models:

Nike Vomero 10: 139.95

Asics Kayano 21: 159.95

Mizuno Wave Rider: 119.95

Asics Nimbus 17: 149.95

I've used this for over 25 years:

Nike Vomero 10: In store only

Asics Kayano 21: 129.95

Asics Nimbus 17: 134.95

As you can see they do offer significant discount on certain new models. I buy the majority of my shoes as older models just before they run out of my size, so I usually spend more like $70 to $85.

That said, it is important for some people to try on new models first, and anyone who tries on shoes at a brick & mortar store and buys them online is an a$$$hole. If you're going to bother the staff and stink up their floor models, you should pay the extra money at least for that first time.

Djdjdjdjdjdjdjdjjd wrote:

help needed wrote:

No.

I would like to show up in a speedo dripping in oil and have them measure my gait.

Then try every shoe model on and run intervals on the treadmill screaming gobble gobble motherf*ckers!

Then pull a bag full of pennies out of my speedo and say 'how much will this get me?'

Then yell "ring that bell m*therf*ckers, I'M A VIP!"

This is why we have them

Do you all work for road runner? if not, you're all nuts. Road Runner is one of the most expensive places to buy from - either the store or online. I stopped buying from them years ago when they went big-time opening all those stores and then their prices went big time. I can name a half-dozen places just off the top of my head that have better prices. The best store by far - the running warehouse. Free 2 day shipping, free returns (they pay the shipping) and no one can beat their price.