In our latest consumer survey, we asked more than 300 runners to share their insights on where, how and why they shop for their running products. For the respondents, all of whom identified as “runners,” the most popular place to buy running shoes is a run specialty store (62%), followed by sporting goods stores (58%). When purchasing run apparel and gear, however, runners say that sporting goods stores (68%) are the topchoice, followed by run specialty stores (61%). The top reasons listed when choosing which brick-and-mortar locations to shop at are selection (#1), followed by price (#2) and location of the store (#3). Runners also tell us that their brand loyalty in footwear is much stronger than it is in apparel. When shopping for running shoes, 75% have a brand in mind before entering the store, while only 39% have a brand in mind already when they go shopping for running apparel.

Also of note, more than 80% of respondents say that a brand’s sustainability commitment is somewhat or very important in their purchasing decisions. We also asked about loyalty programs, price-matching, group runs, and more. Our open-ended questions prompting replies about what consumers do (and do not) like about their local run specialty stores also delivered some interesting replies!

This survey conducted by MESH01 included 300 respondents, men and women who are active and purchased footwear in stores. Trend Insight is a feature within runstyle that delivers research conducted on the MESH01 Platform. MESH01 collects data from a select panel of active and outdoor enthusiasts.

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TREND INSIGHT/CONSUMER SURVEY

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Love/Hate Relationships:
What Runners Say They Love
(And Don’t Love) About Running Stores

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See Their Comments