Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1073733
RUNNING 28 • Footwear Insight ~ January / February 2019 footwearinsight.com blessed with the opportunity to create communities that are inspiring and to support people in their endeavors. Yes, we need to be profitable to stay in business, but we need to continue to put the people first." — Nicholas Stanko, Ann Arbor Running Company "I'm optimistic about Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, Altra and New Balance and what they bring to the local specialty running stores." — Mike Shuman, Shu's Idaho Running Company "We're seeing the consumer come back to specialty. Gone is the glut of inventory from big-box bankruptcies and we've seen some of the weaker players in our space close shop. The best stores are innovating, enhanc- ing the customer experience and are bringing the entire channel with them." — Jeff Metzdorff, Mill City Running "The growth we had in 2018. After 16 years, its hard to grow the busi- ness, but I feel like we are going to be up again in 2019. It already started 'guns blazin.'" — Dink Taylor, Fleet Feet Huntsville (AL) "I am optimistic that the market has stabilized from the retail chaos that we experienced in 2017. It seems that the ultra price-conscious inter- net shoppers have abandoned us, leaving the customers that value the expertise and personal service that we offer. This makes for a more pleas- ant environment for my staff and they are thriving in it." — Perry Slaughter, Run Fit Sports On the product side, what are you looking forward to in 2019? "Brooks — the customer service is superior, the footwear and apparel is always first class in fit. Hoka One One — I am still amazed how they continue to be a top brand in footwear. And Strava — Fleet Feet is handing out prizes to customers who log miles, basically rewarding people for run- ning. I like having our customers more involved with the store, very exciting for 2019." — Dink Taylor, Fleet Feet Huntsville "I am excited about the 3D foot scan- ning technology that sets us apart from the two dimensional equipment that we have been using for years. It is not enough for the customer to be given the best expertise and service. They need to be wowed and receive a truly special experience that they will be compelled to go out into the community and share with others. The latest 3D foot scanning technol- ogy accomplishes this goal, lifting our in-store experience to new heights." — Perry Slaughter, Run Fit Sports "I'm eager to see how consumers react to the new wave of Nike Vaporfly imitators. Nearly every major brand has a skunkworks operation tuning their version of a high cushioned, carbon plate propelled shoe. What remains to be seen is will the cus- tomer be willing to buy a shoe that has a similar price point but nowhere near the hype." — Jeff Metzdorff, Mill City Running "I hope more brands will put a little more time and energy into run specialty-only products. Not kind of run specialty-only, but 100 percent run specialty-only. If the channel is going to survive and thrive we need things like this." — Nicholas Stanko, Ann Arbor Running Company "We are more focused on premium products and premium service across all categories, brand and products. Also, we are continuing to focus on increasing turns by being careful of inventory levels." — Chris Lampen- Crowell, Gazelle Sports (MI) l 2019 Standouts: Hoka One One's Rincon, MSRP $115, packs lots of cushion into a lightweight package. Altra's Vanish-XC, MSRP $80, is a super-light cross- country flat that allows for customized lacing patterns. "We are more focused on premium products and premium service across all categories, brand and products. Also, continuing to focus on increasing turns by being careful of inventory levels." Chris Lampen- Crowell, Gazelle Sports