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R unners who are training for that next big race, no matter the length, require discipline and the ability to weather the elements and stay the course. In many ways, the same can be said for the run specialty retail business, which has faced positive and negative impacts from a global pandemic, inventory shortages and gluts, and a steady stream of challenges to maintain the channel's vitality and growth in recent years. e run specialty retail channel, which enjoyed a strong start in 2023 due to a mild start to winter on the East and West coasts, is forecast to grow by high-single or low-double digits this year, according to Terry Schalow, executive director for the Running Industry Association (RIA). is spike comes on the heels of epic growth — from 2020 to 2021, it's estimated that sales in the overall run specialty channel rose in the 20 to 30 percent range. Brand Check-Up Heading into the important spring/summer season, certain brand inventory shortages and excess product from others appear to be easing. Shop owners are crediting some vendors for tackling these issues head-on and are warming to brands who are mixing up their assortments and showing renewed commitment to the segment. (Puma is one such brand that was namechecked positively by a few running retailers we recently spoke with). Hoka, a heavyweight in the specialty running category, is said to be currently delivering on close to 100 percent of fill-in orders for many of its run specialty customers, up from levels as low as 10 to 20 percent previously. On, which delivered 80 percent sales growth in North America last year to more than $735 million, is promising to deliver 42 percent currency-neutral overall revenue growth this Top photo: Puma Fun Run at Naperville Running Company. Bottom photo: A group run in Naperville. 10 • May/June 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com Specialty Running Retailers Dish on Business, Brands & More. By Bob McGee SHOP TALK SPRING CHECK-UP

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