Fleet Feet Sports announced they will open an 8,000 square foot store
in downtown Chicago in December 2007. Fleet Feet Sports will be moving
the store currently located at 210 W. North Avenue around the corner to
1620 N. Wells Street. The store will still be located in the Pipers
Alley mall, but will nearly double in retail space.
State-of-the-art features will include video-enabled treadmills
(allowing customers to participate in the gait analysis process) and a
technology center where runners will be able to view the many
capabilities of running electronic accessories.
In tandem with the treadmills, the store will feature running surfaces
including concrete, synthetic track and hardwood, giving runners the
opportunity to experience how their shoes will respond to different
terrains. The stores running experts will also continue their practice
of analyzing customers running in shoes on the sidewalk outside.
“We listen to our customers and the design of the new store reflects
that,” says Dave Zimmer, CEO & owner of the three Chicagoland Fleet
Feet Sports locations. The new space will house an expanded womens
section featuring the hottest trends in yoga, swimming, running, biking
and triathlon apparel. Fleet Feet Sports also looks to serve the female
runner population by adding to an already extensive sports bra
selection.
Fleet Feet Sports built into its plans a multipurpose area that will be
used for seminars, clinics and as a storage area for runners attending
weekly runs. This multipurpose space will help Fleet Feet Sports
continue to serve its customers as training groups and programs explode
in size.
“Fitness has become more of a priority in Chicago. With our expansion,
we can increase the tools we have to motivate people of all levels off
the couch,” says Zimmer.
