Fleet Feet Sports announced the opening of a new Fleet Feet Sports location in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Kim Caruso, a lifetime resident of New York and graduate of Marist College, owns the store, which opened May 18 in The Shoppes at South Hills at 1895 South Road.
“Kim is extremely driven and passionate, and those are such important qualities to have as an owner of a Fleet Feet Sports store,” says Robyn Goby, vice president of development for Fleet Feet Sports. “She exudes determination, leadership, and the ability to connect meaningfully with people, and that’s what makes her such a great addition to our franchise family.”
Caruso grew up in Wappinger Falls, N.Y. After graduating from Marist College with a degree in marketing, Caruso spent the next two decades building a successful career in television advertising and market research. A passionate runner, Caruso saw an opportunity to mix her professional experience with her personal passion, and bring a running resource to her hometown area.
“I’m passionate about running, I’m passionate about building relationships, and I love my hometown,” says Caruso. “What I saw with Fleet Feet Sports was a way to connect all three of those things together, and help support and build something lasting for the community here.”
Caruso says the store will launch its first running programs in mid-June. A half-marathon training program will lead up to the Dutchess County Classic in September. She expects to employ about six full-time positions with additional part-time opportunities available.
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for the weekend of June 2-4. Events will include a ribbon cutting on June 2 at noon. The store will offer raffles and discounts all weekend, and select vendors will demo products.
With the addition of the Poughkeepsie location, Fleet Feet Sports has a total of nine locations in New York: Albany, Buffalo, Clay, Malta, Plattsburgh, two locations in Rochester, and Syracuse.
Fleet Feet Sports is the largest franchisor of locally owned-and-operated running stores in the United States. Founded in 1976, the brand currently has 165 locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
