How not to operate a specialty running store (Read 1431 times)

Doesn't sound like a good way to stay in business, that's for sure.

I cringe every time I have to send a new runner to a store for shoes....it seems like 2/3 of the time no matter their size or shape they come out with Brooks Beasts. No surprise problems usually follow. Personally I've given up on local stores. I've tried to support them, but even a local one here owned by none other than Bob Kennedy rarely stocks shoes on the lighter end and has zero selection of race shoes. I know they are a business that must cater to the largest segment but given the cost of gas it is not effective for me to drive 40min to the store, just to end up having to have them order the shoe and then drive back again to pick them up. I just order online now.

I went to my local running store wanting to try on pair of Brooks Trance 8s. Without even a look at my form, they told me that the Trance probably wasn't the shoe for me. They brought out Nikes, Mizunos and more... even a pair of Adrenalines which is what I was actually wearing when I walked it. I finally pushed the issue and asked if I could just try a pair on to see how they feel. They then conceded that they only had a few pairs, and none were in my size. It was obvious that they were basing their sales on what they had in stock, rather than what the best shoe was for me. It seems to me that the main reason to go to a place like this is for the expert opinions, since I can get the shoes and other equipment online for less. I was very much in need of a shoe, so I asked for a pair of Adrenalines in blue. They said that they weren't available in blue yet. I was wearing a pair, so I knew they were indeed available. This was another sales point based on their stocks and not my needs. In the end, I tried out and bought a pair of Trances at a chain store a short distance away. Thanks for sitting through my rant.

You wouldn't happen to live in or near Jackson, MI? I saw JCC 5k on Sept 7th and assumed it was the Jackson Community College 5k. If you do live around here, I know exactly which running store you're talking about. The team I help coach used to buy our running shoes and gear there but we were tired of getting stuff late or never getting it. Its sad because they lost a lot of business.

i've had good luck looking at the websites for local running clubs and seeing what local stores they link to. went to a small running-only store and they were great! did a proper fitting and let me try each shoe, running to the curb and back before buying.

I have a local running store near where I live and work. They stock the shoes I prefer (which are not Brooks or Asics or any of the other super popular ones). They offer a fair price. They support local training runs and races. It is a pleasure to support them.

I agree that you should let management know. I have had a majority of great experiences at my local running store. They have been quick, helpful, and ready to strike up a conversation with me. All the sales clerks are active runners. One day, I even made the mistake of showing up during the store's junior high cross-country sales day. The crowd was actually spilling out on to the street. I reluctantly ventured in since I had forgotten my lone pair of running shoes at a friend's house. The place was a madhouse. They recognized that I was not with the crowd and gave me the special sale anyways (15% off) since I had to wait. Supporting local is important to me since they typically sponser local events, runs, etc. This is not something you will find at the chain store or online retailer. I did have one bad experience there. The attendant was very rude and was trying to rush me out of there before store close. I told him that it was very important that I get a new pair of shoes soon since they were near retirement age. To this, he responded that I could easily put more miles on my shoes than what I had at the time. I told him to piss off because he had no right to tell me how long my body will go on a pair of shoes. I put an email into the store manager who comped me with a store coupon. I haven't ran into that A$$hole since. Hopefully, he got fired.

Just want to add that my local running store is the BOMB! Love them. They make you run around several times before even suggesting a shoe. They encourage people to put them on and go run up and down the block several times. They support local races, and training groups for those races. Great bunch of knowledgeable and friendly people!

My local store is the same way (Maine Running Company) - the owner has been involved with Product Development for Nike and Brooks and has a really well trained staff. They don't know too much about trail shoe options, but they are solid on their road shoe knowledge and have a great fitting process.