Running Insight 4.1.18

THE NEWSMAGAZINE FOR RUNNING SPECIALTY RETAILERS / RUNNINGINSIGHT.COM

A FORMULA4 MEDIA PUBLICATION

2018 BOSTON STYLES GOOD RETAIL GOOD LIFE RETAIL RENAISSANCE: KELLEY’S PACE

ONE STEP CLOSER PRESENTING SPONSORS

BOSTON’S MARATHON MONDAY IS FAST APPROACHING

APRIL 2, 2018 diadora.com

bodyglide.com

balega.com

pro-tecathletics.com

amphipod.com

spenco.com

A FORMULA4 MEDIA PUBLICATION

RUNNING INSIGHT

QUICKENING THE PACE AT KELLEY’S PACE

How a nearly 40-year-old running store is learning new tricks under new ownership / By Daniel Smith IN THE COASTAL NEW ENGLAND TOWN OF MYSTIC, CT, ONE OF AMERICA’S oldest running stores is enjoying a mid-life renaissance under the direction of a retail novice who has committed himself and the retail operation to personalized service, community outreach and an emboldened future. Since taking over Kelley’s Pace in 2014, Jeff Anderson, a former seminary student, advertising executive and nonprofit staffer, has nearly doubled revenues at the 38-year-old store, proving the old adage that an old dog can indeed learn new tricks. (continued on next page)

RUNNING INSIGHT ® is a registered trademark of Formula4Media, LLC. © 2018 all rights reserved.

Running Insight is published twice each month, is edited for owners and top executives at running specialty stores and available only via email.The opinions by authors and contributors to Running Insight are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. Articles appearing in Running Insight may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher.

Formula4Media, LLC, P.O. Box 23-1318, Great Neck, NY 11023. Tel: 516-305-4709.

2

runninginsight.com

Advertise

Jeff Nott....................................jnott@formula4media.com Jeff Gruenhut...................jgruenhut@formula4media.com Christina Henderson..... chenderson@formula4media.com Katie O’Donohue..........kodonohue@formula4media.com Sam Selvaggio.............. sselvaggio@formula4media.com Daemon Filson......................dfilson@formula4media.com

Editor-in-Chief......... Mark Sullivan: msullivan@formula4media.com Managing Editor............. Cara Griffin: cgriffin@formula4media.com Publisher......................Troy Leonard: tleonard@formula4media.com BACK ISSUES runninginsight.com

SUBSCRIBE store.formula4media.com

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

KEEP IT SPECIAL. PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR

1.800.806.1288

DEALER@AMPHIPOD.COM

RUNNING INSIGHT

Quickening the Pace (continued)

Kelley’s Pace owner Jeff Anderson with running legend Meb Keflezighi.

A statue of store founder John Kelley, former Boston marathon champ.

ElliptiGOs are part of the new product mix at Kelley’s Pace.

4

runninginsight.com

Taking the reins Former Boston Marathon champion and U.S. Olympian John Kelley founded Kelley’s Pace in 1980. Kelley and his wife, Jessie, ran the 960-square foot running shop until selling it in the mid-1990s to Mary Camire, owner of Camire’s Athletic Soles in Wakefield, RI. Throughout much of its history, Kelley’s Pace served as the region’s unofficial running headquarters, catering to a vibrant running populace whose residents included Kelley as well as fellow Boston Marathon champion – and longtime Runner’s World editor – Amby Burfoot. From its spot in Olde Mistick Village, a lively commercial enclave designed to look like a 19th century New England village, Kelley’s Pace outfitted the community’s daily joggers and walkers, competitive prep athletes and tourists to the seaside community.

After earning his MBA in early 2014, Anderson realized he had little interest in a “traditional job” and hungered for something different.

“It was time to venture off and I always wanted to own a store,” Anderson says.

At a Kelley’s Pace fun run in July, Anderson wondered what it might be like to oversee his town’s heritage running shop. Those thoughts ignited a whirlwind adventure for the father of four. By August, Anderson was in deep conversations with Camire.

By September, the two finalized terms. On October 1, Anderson assumed ownership of Kelley’s Pace.

“I enjoyed the sport and the opportunity was there,” Anderson says of purchasing Kelley’s Pace. “But there was a moment of weakness there, too.”

Anderson sensed Kelley’s Pace, a store rich in history, but relatively poor in execution, had the potential to improve its performance. The store, which had no direct run specialty competition for about 30 miles, was consumed by old product and remained a penand-paper operation with no inventory system.

“The store had been sound asleep for many years,” Anderson says.

What Kelley’s Pace had, however, was a treasured local hero’s name and more than three decades in the same spot. Around his first Thanksgiving as owner, Anderson recalls a number of out-of-town customers venturing into the store to purchase running shoes.

Many were returning to the area to visit family and stopped into Kelley’s Pace, a habitual act many had practiced since their teen years.

“Locally, everyone knew where it was and what it was,” Anderson says. “Honestly, my greatest fear was ruining that.”

Crafting a renaissance Walking into Kelley’s Pace as its new owner, Anderson admits he felt overwhelmed. He had to learn about biomechanics and products, managing people and vendor relationships and leading a retail operation that was, to Anderson’s surprise, a 24/7 endeavor.

“I had no idea what I didn’t know until I got here,” says Anderson, whose “significant learning curve” was eased by a longtime Kelley’s Pace employee who stayed on for nine months and taught Anderson all that he knew.

Slowly, however, Anderson began making changes.

Having only acquired part of the store’s existing inventory in the deal with Camire, Anderson further reduced inventory by purchasing less, carefully monitoring products that sold and those that lingered.

That attentiveness liberated the showroom from its cluttered, discount-store look and allowed Anderson’s curated selection of goods to shine.

Attentiveness allows Anderson’s curated selection of goods to shine at Kelley’s Pace.

“Buying less to sell more,” Anderson calls it.

Anderson also replaced fixtures to better display product and reevaluated the store’s pricing strategy, installing MSRP after years of everyone receiving the “Kelley Discount.”

Most importantly, Anderson says, he went deeper into community outreach and doubled down on the detailed personal service customers expect at their local running shop.

He launched a Thursday night fun run that concluded with a free beer at the nearby Jealous Monk Social Hall & Beer Garden as well as a year-round Saturday morning running group. Anderson then resurrected a pair of deceased races – the Frostbite 5 Miler in January and the Hare Hop 5k in March.

“This community was hungry for a more active and involved running store,” Anderson says.

Anderson also insisted staff – he has two regular associates alongside him – measured and looked at each customer’s feet, including having them walk down a well-worn pathway on the store’s hardwood floor. Despite a recent onslaught of technological options, Anderson continues resisting any techno-

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

THE #DarnTough

RUNNING SERIES

RUNNING INSIGHT

Quickening the Pace (continued)

Run group ready to roll outside of the Kelley’s Pace store.

Amid the changes, there was one thing Anderson refused to alter: the name.

6

runninginsight.com

logical gadgetry or software.

“I feel the customer really identifies with the personal touch and machines can get in the way of that,” he says.

Amid the changes, there was one thing Anderson refused to alter: the name.

“John Kelley was a local hero and there was value in the name and his legacy,” says Anderson, who has in-store signage honoring the late John and Jessie Kelley.

In Anderson’s first full year at the helm, Kelley’s Pace revenues jumped 30 percent. In 2017, sales were up another 15 percent over 2016.

“It turns out the store was more sound asleep than I thought,” Anderson says.

The positive momentum has continued into the present day. Anderson has added new products like the ElliptiGO to drive his bottom line, committed to going deeper with his best footwear vendors

and added another 250-square feet to his store by assuming a chunk of a neighboring space. Much of that new area is devoted to storage, which has only further opened up the showroom, improved product merchandising and produced a cleaner, more professional look.

“Not revolutionary moves,” he admits, “but things that are pushing us forward.”

Though challenges remain, ranging from the continued march of e-commerce and consumers’ style preferences – “I’m always doing that special order dance,” Anderson says. – to everlooming decisions about inventory selection and the store’s next moves to spur growth, Anderson nevertheless savors his interaction with customers and turning the legacy store’s fortunes in a positive direction after years of stagnation.

“I tell my staff all the time that we’re problem solvers and that makes it fun and interesting,” he says. n

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

RUN FAST. RECOVER FASTER. Recover on a higher wavelength and keep moving with the new GRID VIBE from TriggerPoint.

This precision engineered vibrating roller pairs foam rolling plus vibration to maximize the effectiveness of your recovery regimen. Calibrated with a single optimal vibration frequency, the GRID VIBE is tuned to relax muscles, reduce pain, and provide a faster, more effective recovery.

A V A IL A B L E N O W A T TP T H ER APY . CO M

RUNNING INSIGHT

Boston Style Takes Center Stage

T

here are plenty of sweet styles to choose from among this year’s Boston marathon limited edition sneaker tie-ins.

Leading the way among brands putting a Beantown spin on running silhouettes, marathon sponsor Adidas has unveiled the 2018 Boston Marathon LTD edition of the newly redesigned adizero Boston 7 running shoe. It features Boost tech and includes Boston Athletic Association blue and yellow colorways with a Boston Marathon unicorn marking on the heel.

Boston landmarks cover the removable sock liner.

With Boston being a critical base for the leading running brands, there’s no shortage of extra spice being sprinkled on shoes paying homage to the city leading up to the big race on Monday, April 16. Saucony’s collaboration with fellow Massachusetts icon

8

runninginsight.com

Dunkin’ Donuts might take the cake this year. The Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 “celebrates the joy, determination and delicious obsession of runners everywhere,” says Amanda Reiss, chief marketing officer of Saucony.

Brooks has once again put a seafaring spin on its annual New England offering with the Boston Launch 5 “inspired by the sea and a passion for the run.” It features images of “rare and lucky” blue lobsters, along with other nautical touches such as rope and anchor imagery. The Launch 5 also has an engineered, one-piece mesh upper for a breathable, lightweight fit and a BioMoGo DNA midsole and rebounding rubber outsole for a springy feel underfoot. n Above: Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9, MSRP $110.

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

The all-new Cloud X. Run on clouds.

www.on-running.com

RUNNING INSIGHT

on, ost 6B v 890 ce lan a wB Ne

Altra Bos ton E scala nte, MSR P $1 40.

Boston Style (continued)

.

130 P$ R MS

RP

on ost

nch

Lau

S 5, M

0.

$10

sB

ok Bro

10

runninginsight.com

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

Thin

SEMI-FLEXIBLE CRADLE ORTHOTIC-GRADE CRADLE FLEXES WITH YOUR FOOT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT WITHOUT AGGRAVATION. PROMOTES SUPPORT AT HEEL STRIKE

FIRST RAY DROP ZONE MORE EFFICIENT TOE-OFF. RELIEVES PRESSURE AT FIRST MET HEAD. PROMOTES NATURAL STRIDE

www.teamspenco.com Dedicated athletes pursue their passion with Spenco products.

3-POD™ MODULATION SYSTEM

MULTI-DENSITY PODS PISTON THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE CRADLE TO MODULATE GROUND FORCES. STIFFER RED POD COUNTERS OVER-PRONATION, SOFTER BLUE PODS GUIDE THE STRIDE

AIR GRID FOREFOOT PAD

TECHNICAL TOPCLOTH

CUSHIONS FOREFOOT IMPACT WITHOUT ADDING UNECESSARY WEIGHT

FULL-MOTION FOUR-WAY STRETCH NYLON REDUCES FRICTION AND HOT SPOTSS SILPURE ANTIMICROBIAL REDUCES ODOR

DEEP HEEL CUP DEEP HEEL CUP OFFERS GREATER STABILITY AND REDUCES OVER-PRONATION

TOTAL SUPPORT ® THIN IS SPENCO’S PREMIUM REPLACEMENT INSOLE FOR RUNNING. SEE THE WHOLE LINE OF TOTAL SUPPORT ® INSOLES AT SPENCO.COM

®Registered and ™ Trademark of Implus LLC. ©2017 All Rights Reserved. Silpure is a Registered Trademark of Thomson Research Associates, Inc. | 9.17

RUNNING INSIGHT Boston Style (continued)

Adidas Adizero Boston 7 2018 Boston Marathon, MSRP $120.

12

runninginsight.com

AS IC SG EL -N im bu s2 0B os ton ,M SR P$ 16 0.

OOFOS OOAHH Sport Slide Boston, MSRP $60.

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

RUNNING INSIGHT

Good 1994

was my final year in the US Army. Back then I was stationed at Ft. Myer in Arlington, Virginia. Most folks in my unit worked in the Pentagon. I, however, had an office job on-post. I filled allocations for soldiers continuing their military education. My nine-to-five left me with loads of extra time.

So I took a part-time job at a gas station.

My boss, and owner of the station, was a retired Army Colonel named Skip. He was short and stout, had a bit of a beer belly, and his balding head was crowned with a bright swatch of red hair. His still wore a regulation mustache and always had a smug, half-grin on his face. Skip never raised his voice. He harvested a culture where he didn’t have to.

During my employment interview, Skip told me everyone on staff has the same title.

He, the station attendants, and mechanics were all deemed Window Washers. Sounded fine to me.

Skip said I had to agree to some nonnegotiables. These included one overarching expectation and three distinct rules.

The expectation: “Everyone is willing to wash windows.”

Every car in Skip’s station received full service: a streakless pass with the squeegee, a look under the hood, and a tire pressure check. But “washing windows” was also a metaphor dictating each employee’s

14

runninginsight.com

SKIP’S RULES: Retail, Good

BY TOM GRIFFEN

appearance and behavior. Skip used simple language to define the big picture. Like a one-page employee manual.

Our willingness to “wash windows” defined how well-ironed our station shirts were, how crisply our pants were starched, how high-and-tight our haircuts looked, and the quality of the Kiwi mirror on our boots. It also dictated how we spoke to customers. As a soldier I was used to such attention to detail. Compliance was easy.

“Washing windows” was also how Skip segued a tough conversation. If he saw a sub-par interaction with a customer, he’d ask, “So Tom, how’d you wash that customer’s windows just now?” Or, to rally the team, he might say, “Alright guys, let’s go out there and wash some freaking windows, huh!”

Skip’s basic expectation also held us personally accountable. “Well Tom, looks to me like that hair of yours could use a little window-washing, eh? Punch in after you’ve hit the barber.” Stuff like that.

Then there were his three rules. Simple at face-value, but far bigger in scope.

Rule #1: Hustle. Or, in Skip’s words, “Don’t lolly-gag.” Didn’t matter whether it’s 25 degrees below zero or if we were hung-over, Skip expected us to move like we were making a million bucks to do it.

No exceptions.

Rule #2: Don’t overdo it. On a practical level, this referred to how we pumped

Life

gas. Per Skip, “When the pump stops, stop pumping.” But he also believed we should bring our natural selves to the job rather than force a less-authentic, salesy schtick.

Rule #3: Smile and be grateful. Every day Skip would remind us we’ll never know what sort of baggage people are carrying around. “Least we can do is be kind,” he’d say. We’d graciously thank customers using pennies to buy a dollar’s worth of gas. Why? Because today’s small-potatoes customer could be next year’s top dog.

“The world can, and will, change on a dime,” Skip often said. “Here we work how we ought to live.”

Skip’s personal ethics modeled the perfect foundation for quality retail. Following his tenets may very well improve the lives of everyone involved. n Tom Griffen is a storyteller. He’s also a coach and trainer for specialty retailers. For the next six months he’ll be walking across America. His planned route started in Los Angeles, headed to Phoenix, and will continue onto El Paso, Austin, Shreveport, Little Rock, Nashville, Asheville, and eventually to the Atlantic seaboard. He plans to stop at run shops within range of his eastward movement. There he’ll stock up on needed items, but also include the visit in a Running Insight article that celebrates your paths crossing.

Follow him at www.mywalkinglife.com, on Instagram @tomswalkacrossamerica, or listen to his podcast, My Walking Life, on iTunes (or wherever you podcast).

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

PURPOSE ™

SOCKS WITH FS 4 ™

Plantar Fasciitis Socks

4+ ™

Compression Bracing Socks

BR 4 ™

Bunion Relief Socks

HV 3

™

Bunion Bracing Sleeve

Visit OS1st.com to see the entire line of OS1st ® products

quad

KNEE

ANKLE

OS1st®, a full line of bracing designed for performance level support underneath any equipment, gear, or apparel.

Offers relief, prevention & faster recovery. Like taping without the hassle.

FOOT

BASE LAYER BRACING

OS1st® socks are designed to offer strategically placed medical grade support along with unique features to provide relief and to help prevent recurring symptoms from your everyday foot and leg pain.

RUNNING INSIGHT

A Product Idea Inspired by a Room in the House

M

ost designers in the running business will say they got their inspiration from a long run, or from an “aha” moment when they realized they needed something that didn’t exist.

Not David Deioma, the founder of Mudroom Backpacks.

Deioma took his inspiration from growing up in the Midwest where folks would often come home from a day outside and remove their galoshes in the “Mudroom” where shoes and gear are stored before going into the house.

That memory and years of experience working retail and designing bags for skis and ski boots inspired Deioma to create a versatile backpack that he christened the Mudroom Quartable.

“I had worked with a designer named Brent Harris to create product for the ski market, but when it came to Mudroom packs, I thought the idea was strong enough to build a business around it,” says Deioma.

The Mudroom backpacks are indeed portable mudrooms, designed to let runners carry shoes in separate compartments away from the rest of their gear and devices. Deioma says the packs can carry “everything a runner needs and fit easily under airline seats, train seats, ferry seats, and rides comfortably on your back whether you’re walking, cycling or motoring around.”

The company launched at The Running Event in 2014 with a single color in two sizes and has since made progress in the run channel. Mudroom now has two styles in five colors made from double layered ripstop nylon. The company has opened several Fleet Feet stores and Up and Running in El Paso, TX and recently signed on well-respected rep Mark Johnson to handle the Mudroom line in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia and West Virginia. n

16

runninginsight.com

Mudroom backpacks are designed to be exactly what the name implies: portable mudrooms.

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

RUNNING INSIGHT

Running Shorts Saucony Celebrates Heritage With Shadow 5000 EVR This year Saucony is celebrating its 120th anniversary, and that history is celebrated in this new style — the Shadow 5000 EVR. Blending vintage style with modern tech, the Shadow 5000 EVR pairs a 1980s silhouette with a modern, knit upper and 21st century midsole (and topsole) tech in energy-returning Everun. The new Shadow aims for the sweet spot of fashion and function. MSRP $140.

Official hotel links for The Running Event can only be accessed through our website therunningevent.com ®

The Running Event has not given authorization or permission to any hotel booking agency or list service to use our event’s name.

The Running Event 2018 registration will open in September. Official hotel links with our room block can only be accessed at that time.

Check the phone number and the email address from any unauthorized solicitations.

If it’s not from someone you know at The Running Event, it’s a scam.

Keep your personal and credit card information safe. Use the hotel links on therunningevent.com

The Running Event is a registered trademark of Formula4 Media, LLC

18

runninginsight.com

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

Birthday Cake Energy Gel from GU

GU is celebrating 25 years in business this year and to celebrate, the family-owned company has unveiled a limited-edition Birthday Cake Energy Gel, with the same functional ingredients GU is known for, in a celebratory packet.

MSRP: box of 24, $36; box of 8, $12; single, $1.50.

Gallo New President at OOFOS

Recovery footwear brand OOFOS has named Steve Gallo as its new president.

Gallo has more than 25 years of experience in branded footwear, apparel and accessories. Gallo most recently served as general manager of the sports license division at Adidas Group for nearly three years. Prior to that role, he spent time as

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

senior vice president of sales for Adidas North America and senior product marketing director at Reebok.

“We are thrilled to have Steve join us as president, not only because of his business experience and leadership skills, but also his mission-driven approach and personal values are very much aligned with OOFOS and our OOsoul,” says OOFOS co-founder and CEO Lou Panaccione, who participated in the nationwide search to fill the position late last year.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to lead this organization of incredibly inspiring and collaborative individuals,” says Gallo. “By harnessing their collective power and energy, there’s no doubt in my mind that OOFOS will

runninginsight.com

19

RUNNING INSIGHT

Running Shorts (continued) be recognized for its category leadership in recovery footwear. We strive to authentically connect with consumers through maintaining quality relationships with existing fans and inviting future brand loyalists to ‘Feel the OO.’”

LIQUID GRIP REPLACES THE RUBBER OUTSOLE

Ltd. Edition Liquid Floatride Run from Reebok

The new Liquid Floatride Run shoe from Reebok features the first application of the brand’s Liquid Factory technique on an existing Reebok model. According to the brand, the Liquid Factory process makes the shoe 20 percent lighter than the original Floatride run. It also adds two new component features: liquid lace and liquid grip.

Liquid lace replaces conventional laces to create a stretch-to-fit slip-on. A thin liquid web is drawn by the Liquid Factory process

Reebok’s Liquid Floatride Run uses a unique manufacturing process.

The Premier Conference & Trade Show for Running Specialty Retailers

THE RUNNING EVENT 2018 ®

November 27- 30, 2018 • Austin Convention Center & Hilton Austin

therunningevent.com

Conference Trade Show Best Store Awards Indie 5K® Struktur Lab @ The Running Event • Opening Night Reception • Sports Bra-Fitting Salon • Retail / Vendor Speed Meeting Lunch

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

20

runninginsight.com

Exhibitor Contracts Now Available Contact: Troy Leonard/Show Director: tleonard@formula4media.com or 352-624-1561 or your account representative.

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

RUNNING INSIGHT

Running Shorts (continued) that stretches across the top of the shoe in place of laces. And liquid grip replaces the rubber outsole seen in typical footwear, with a liquid version drawn in stripes across the bottom of the shoe. A rubber outsole is the heaviest component of a shoe, so replacing it with liquid cuts the weight of the shoe.

The Reebok Liquid Factory manufacturing technique uses a digital process based on 3D Drawing, where a proprietary liquid material, created for Reebok by BASF, is used to draw shoe componentry cleanly, precisely and in 3-D layers.

SOLE’s Wine Cork Sandals

In 2008, SOLE adopted ReCORK, North America’s largest cork recycling program today. SOLE is known for its supportive shape in their footbed products, and in the brand’s new spring footwear collection, SOLE is putting this same support in modern, low-profile sandals, some made with 100 percent recycled wine corks. Included in SOLE’s new footwear collection, available Spring 2018, are Beach Flips, Casual Flips and Sports Flips and Slides. n

SOLE Beach Flips

22

runninginsight.com

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

ADVERTISEMENT

SWEAT THE RUN, NOT THE RIDE HOME THE STORY OF A LIFELONG RUNNER READY FOR A CHANGE. with a website, www.runsdone.com. Next, Anchors started calling on his favorite running stores around the Atlanta metro area to see if they would carry his product.

Some retailers already carried a line of seat covers and were reluctant to expand. But retailers already carry multiple brands of shoes, socks and other accessories. Why not seat covers, too? After all, Retailers can Run’s Done Seat Covers also choose to were unique. customize the One year later, his first few seat covers retailers couldn’t be happier.

They have averaged 8 full inventory turns. Thanks to a successful introduction at the 2017 Running Event in Austin, Run’s Done Seat Covers are now carried in over 75 retail stores. You can carry them in your stores, too.

WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY… PAMELA “I love this seat cover! Love it so much I’ve bought 2! Stays where you want it and very durable and the best part is no more stinky seats! I’ve told all my running friends about it and they love it too! I’ve recently took it with me on a Ragnar and it came in so handy. It’s been through the wash many times and the grippys still are perfect! Great product!”

DEBBIE “As a spin class instructor who lives in Florida (plenty of humidity and sweat yearround), I’ve become a huge fan of using my Run’s Done seat cover after teaching class.

Love that it’s super easy to put on my seats, and just as easy to take off to wash.”

BARRY “After some online research of similar products, I purchased this product (in grey). I could not be happier. It feels high quality, takes two seconds to cover a seat (my seats are fabric) without it slipping around, and works like a charm. It’s sooo easy I absolutely love it!”

In early 2016, Jerry Anchors had had enough.

Enough unfulfilling work at his corporate job. Enough work-related travel that kept him away from his family.

His primary stress reliever was running. But he’d even had enough of that because he spent more time cleaning his car seat from post-workout sweat than he did enjoying his run.

Anchors lives outside of Atlanta. It gets hot in the summer, really hot. With only a little time to spare, Anchors squeezed in runs at lunch or on his way home from work. He had several favorite trails and when his run was done, he stretched next to his car. But just when the endorphins kicked in, his mood was ruined. He knew he would drench his car seat in sweat on the ride home.

He started using a bath towel, but it never stayed put. Then he did some research to find a better solution and tried a few different types of seat covers. Nothing worked like he imagined. Some seat covers slid around while others were uncomfortable. They often exited the vehicle with him, instead of staying put on the car seat.

All were a pain to install and remove.

After enough sweating over the wrong things, Anchors, an entrepreneur at heart, decided to design a better solution. He left his corporate job and devoted 100% of his attention to developing Run’s Done Seat Covers. In March 2017, the aptly named brand debuted

What makes Run’s Done Seat Covers different?

Patent-pending Run’s Done Seat Covers protect car seats from post-run sweat, dirt and odor. They’re remarkably easy to use (no straps needed). The material is moisturewicking, quick drying, antimicrobial and machine washable. The universal fit (31” x 50”) accommodates most vehicle types. They feel soft on the front making for a comfortable ride home and thanks to speciallydesigned non-slip grippy dots embedded into the back, the seat cover stays put on leather, vinyl and cloth car seats. They’re competitively priced at $36.95 and available in five colors including charcoal, red, blue, orange and gray.

What’s next for Run’s Done?

Anchors’ focus is on expanding running retailer locations. According to Anchors, “the product sells best when a customer can see it and touch it to understand why it’s different. Margins are very competitive and retailers can get started with an opening order of just 13 seat covers. Pricing is based on volume and there are 3-pricing tiers available. As retailers grow and reach the next volume tier, margins are adjusted accordingly for future orders. Retailers can also choose to customize the seat covers with their logo or that of their running clubs and special events. We offer easy online ordering, an online store locator and retailer marketing support through our website, social media and PR efforts.”

INTERESTED IN RETAILING RUN’S DONE SEAT COVERS? At $36.95 retail, a Run’s Done Seat Cover makes for an easy upsell to all types of runners and athletes. And now that it’s Spring, every day will get a little warmer. Pretty soon, your customers will be working up a real sweat! Call (877) 762-5001, email help@ runsdone.com or complete an online Retailer Inquiry Form at www.runsdone.com/pages/retailer-inquiry to learn more.

RUNNING INSIGHT CLASSIFIED

Job Title: Footwear Buyer Job Brief: Marathon Sports is looking for an experienced Buyer in the Footwear Industry. This role offers the opportunity to manage and lead footwear for our brick and mortar locations as well as our growing Ecommerce platforms. This individual must be a dynamic influencer who can bring passion and energy in teaching and inspiring our team.

Responsibilities Include • Plan product assortment and forecast demand for brick and mortar and ecommerce business.

• Actively set and manage product distribution and allocation.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure successful launch and sell-through of product.

• Provide employees with educational tools and resources to ensure the highest level of customer service.

• Work closely with vendors to develop business relationships and create strategies for long term growth.

• Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with management staff and employees.

• Perform continuous evaluation of systems and processes that maintain efficiency; understand ability to change direction when necessary.

Qualifications and Skills Required • 3-5 years of buying experience in a multi-door, multi-channel operation.

• Knowledge of the running industry and market preferred.

• Ability to make decisions blending both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence.

• Excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel required.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Other Requirements • Ability to travel as required • Flexibility in daily schedule To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to patrick.gould@marathonsports.com

Compression Sleeve The graduated Compression Sleeve helps reduce muscle fatigue while increasing stamina to allow for longer distances and faster recovery after workouts.

With a high needle count, double welt turned top, and mesh venting they are made for comfort and durability.

Graduated Compression moving from ankle to calf www.hickorybrands.com • www.2ndwind.com • [sales@2ndwind.com] • 800.523.4371 24

runninginsight.com

© 2018 Formula4media LLC.

Recognizing stores for their achievements in community support, customer service and in-store experience.

Awards Celebration: June 22, 2018 Mill City Museum Minneapolis, MN

June 21-23, 2018 Hilton Minneapolis 50bestrunningstores.com