On May 24, 2004, Big Peach Running Co. opened its first store in Brookhaven, GA. Today, the company has ten stores located throughout the Metro Atlanta area, one store in Melbourne, FL, that opened earlier this year, and a mobile shop, Big Peach On Wheels, offering a fully stocked mobile shoe fitting and specialty retail service.
“In 2004, the Atlanta running and walking community was underserved. As an enthusiastic runner with a passion for customer service, I left a corporate environment and opened the first location,” said Founder Mike Cosentino. As a part of the local running and fitness community, it has long been the Mission of Big Peach Running Co. to encourage individuals to lead an active and healthier lifestyle through running and walking. But, even more so, its dedication to customer service has spurred growth, even as some national sports retailers have failed.
“We have always referred to our customers as guests and our team members as guest advocates. The same way we appreciate being treated as a guest in someone’s home is how someone should rightly expect to be treated in our stores,” concluded Cosentino.
More recently, Big Peach started franchising the brand through its Peach Partner Program. “This extension has allowed us to sensibly and strategically grow our business with entrepreneurs in communities where we can serve and add value through experiential retail and the benefits of movement and being active,” added Cosentino.
Big Peach Running Company will celebrate the anniversary in its Georgia-based stores beginning May 18. Each location will host a group run/walk, with participating vendor partners on site at various locations, including Altra Running, Asics, Brooks, Feetures Socks, Hoka, Nathan Sports, New Balance, Mizuno, On Running, Puma, Tailwind Endurance Fuel, and Wahoo Fitness. The company will also give a gift with purchase for the Memorial Day holiday, May 24-27.
“Twenty years is a reason to celebrate with those who have supported us over those years. And, as we made plans to do so with guests, friends and partners, we realized there was no reason to only do so for just one day or one month. As a result, the celebration will be for the remainder of the year. In addition to all that we have planned for this month, we have several exciting events planned, including three for Global Running Day, June 5, and an Olympic viewing party at a local brewery in August,” said Director of Marketing Dave Martinez.
Images courtesy Big Peach Running Co.
