Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com THE FOOTWEAR EYE 14 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2019 Brooks Opens New Midwest DC, Promotes LGBTQ+ Running Inclusion B rooks Running Co. has opened a 400,000 sq.-ft. distribution center in Whitestown, IN, replacing its previous facility in Sumner, WA. The new location is expected to employ more than 130 people by 2023, and to allow the brand to ship to retailers and consum- ers within 3 days using ground shipping. "Opening our new distribution center is an exciting and crucial step on our journey to become the No. 1 choice for all who run," Jim Weber, CEO of Brooks Running Co., said in a statement. "We don't want anything to get in the way of a great run, and that includes excessive wait times for new gear. Our team has thoughtfully created a center that streamlines this part of our supply chain, benefitting our retail partners, runners and the environment." The Whitestown DC should allow the brand to reduce shipping carbon emissions by 50 percent, the brand said. In other news, Brooks has signed a two- year partnership with San Francisco-based International Front Runners, a network of LBGTQ+ running clubs, to promote and support the growth of Front Runners in the U.S. and Canada. "We have always believed running is the most inclusive sport ever known—all are welcome. That's why we're excited to work with International Front Runners to cultivate opportunities to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ running community," Weber said. "International Front Runners has a strong reputation of creating community for runners and using the run to build bridges; their history and tradition are impactful, and we look forward to furthering their mission." To coincide with the sponsorship, Brooks released a "Run Proud" apparel and accessories col- lection on May 15 ahead of Pride Month in June. l RUNNING W e l c o m e t o t h e n e w R C Outfitters. The 42-year- old Peoria, IL independent Running Central is now known as RC Outfitters, an identity that better fits the location's mix of run specialty product, denim, apparel and comfort footwear, owner Adam White said. "Since we moved into this particular space five years ago, we sell dresses, we sell denim, we sell khakis and wool sweaters," White said. "I don't think it's a logical leap to expect people to see those in a store called Running Central. Having running in the name was a competi- tive disadvantage — there are people who don't identify as runners who might come in now." But the store is not turning its back on the sport, White said: RC Outfitters has been consciously cultivating its core run- ning audience throughout the change with more fun runs, a free timed 5k race that drew 600 runners, and more events to come. For more on RC Outfitters and what goes into changing a store's branding, check out our coverage on FootwearInsightExtra.com. l Running Central Rebrands

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