Running Insight

headwinds," he told Running Insight, "and we are cognizant of that. But at the same time, we're excited about the future." The main advantage that run stores have over other retailers, according to Pointer, is that "we can create customers. People want to be inspired to be healthy and active and running is a core aspect of any healthy exercise routine." Clearly, Fleet Feet will continue its Couch to 5K and No Boundaries Programs to "create customers," but Pointer also wants to see his stores focus more on execution and cost controls. "It's no secret that stores will have to do more with less in the coming years," said Pointer. For Fleet Feet, he said that may mean stores with smaller footprints and fewer employees that are not "customer facing." "Over the past few years, running stores have grown from 1500 square feet to 3,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet," he said. "We need to be selective in the sites and sizes we're looking at to make sure the stores are best positioned to be profitable. 1,000 square feet is too small to host a spike night, but we don't want the stores too big either." Along those lines, Fleet Feet Inc. is expanding its distribution center in North Carolina to service its stores with regular replenishment shipments on key accessory items. This fall key footwear styles from On Running will also be shipped from the corporate DC, making the Swiss shoe brand the first non-accessory item to be included in the program. Thus far in 2017, Fleet Feet comp store sales are up .9% according to Pointer, with overall sales up 3%. Fleet Feet has opened seven stores this year and has another seven in the pipeline. Fleet Feet Inc. is also continuing to look at converting existing independents to its franchised model. "It's difficult to be a single door out there now," Pointer said. "Our pitch to those stores is that we can support them with technology, marketing and vendor programs that are better for them than what they could accomplish on their own in most cases." Pointer said Fleet Feet has no regrets about passing on the JackRabbit Sports sell off by Finish Line earlier this year. "We have very different cultures and business models," Pointer said. "We had no interest in taking over a business where we would have to close stores and wind down leases. But competing with them will make us better. I'm intensely competitive and like to win." n 4 runninginsight.com © 2017 Formula4media LLC. Fleet Feet's New CEO (continued) "People want to be inspired to be healthy and active." "Retail in general is facing some real headwinds." Photos: https://www.fleetfeetsports.com/catalogs/franchise, /www.fleetfeetsports.com/catalogs/leadership-development-program Thus far in 2017, Fleet Feet comp store sales are up .9% according to Pointer, with overall sales up 3%.

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