Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of specialty run stores, officially announced that its Wooster, OH store, which opened in late July, will host a grand opening.
Owned and operated by Jeff Henderson, business partner Mike Farris and minority owners Kaila Westbrook and Aaron Olbur (owners of three other Ohio Fleet Feet stores), acquired the location, formerly a Vertical Running Wooster, from Brian and Tammy Polen. The store is located in downtown Wooster in a historic building home to footwear retailers since the 1880s.
The owners will host a grand opening on October 28.
“As a runner who grew up in Columbus, I’ve been dedicated to making Central Ohio a healthier, more active place to live,” said Henderson. “For years, I’ve watched and admired Brian and Tammy, and I’m extremely proud to carry on their legacy. It truly is a privilege to serve the vibrant Wooster community.”
Henderson began coaching high school track and field in 2004 when Fleet Feet Lewis Center opened. He began visiting Fleet Feet with his team to purchase shoes and eventually volunteered at Fleet Feet-managed races. Henderson formed a relationship with the previous owner of the Lewis Center location while working at the sponsored events and was later brought onto the Fleet Feet team, eventually becoming the owner. An involved member of his community, Henderson serves as a board member for Girls on the Run of Central Ohio. He is also the Executive Director for the Rocks and Roots Trail Runners Association.
“We are excited to see Jeff continue expanding Fleet Feet’s footprint into northeast Ohio,” said John Moloznik, vice president of retail development at Fleet Feet. “The new location will help to support the thriving running community in Wooster and the surrounding area. As technology giants such as Intel continue to extend their presence between Wooster and Columbus, this store is perfectly situated to serve the growing area.”
