This morning, Inov-8 opened its first brand store in the outdoor hub of Staveley in the Lake District of the UK. Customer’s watched as Michael Price, COO, Inov-8 and Matt Bland, managing director of Pete Bland Sports, were on-hand to cut the ribbon at The Forge in the popular Mill Yard.
Initially opening five days a week, from Thursdays to Mondays, The Forge sells Inov-8 branded run, hike and fitness products for men and women. The location will also become the starting point for several mapped runs and hike routes of the local trails while hosting live speaker events and product testing sessions.
Founded in the Lake District, Inov-8 has been headquartered in the Mill Yard since 2011. Its latest venture is being run in partnership with Pete Bland Sports, marking another relationship milestone between Inov-8 and the Kendal-based running retailer, who were the first to stock the brand’s shoes in 2003.
Michael Price, COO of Inov-8, who pioneered the use of Graphene in much of the brand’s footwear, said: “We hope The Forge will become a real hub for adventure-loving locals and tourists who enjoy running, hiking and fitness. … As well as it being somewhere to buy a kit, we want it to be a place where people can come to share in their passion for the outdoors or to seek advice.”
Pete Bland said: “We started on a journey with Inov-8 in 2003 and have worked together on many ventures over the years. This is the biggest, but the joint teams of Pete Bland Sports and Inov-8 feel we can build something special to sit alongside our store in Kendal. It’s a milestone for us and a positive step as the business rises once again after the latest lockdown and the events of the last year.”
Photo courtesy Inov-8
