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In observance of Women’s History Month, we’re shouting out some of the many women-owned retailers that are making an impact in their local fitness and running communities and sell AfterShokz while they’re at it! Get to know a couple of our favorite women-owned independent retailers, and then check out the list of female-owned running/fitness businesses to shop and support below.
Q&A WITH KIMBERLY GROGAN, PRESIDENT OF DASH SPORTS
AS: In your opinion, why do you think it’s important to shop and support women-owned brands?
KG: Shopping and supporting women-owned or led brands and businesses gives women more of a voice in this space and can lead to great opportunities and changes for our active lifestyle stores. Some of our customers remember when women could only run the 800m or mile in the Olympics, and the women that lead the way in this space are similar to those women who broke those barriers that are now forever open.
AS: As a woman in the male-dominated fitness retailer industry, what kind of challenges have you experienced during your career?
KG: Sitting around tables with all men and being the only female voice has been a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I am learning to find my voice and bring more women to those tables. My parents are small business owners and I saw the freedom and joy that it gave them. I also love retail and was a Gap Girl as soon as I was old enough to work there. We had a small Dash Sports store for 13 years and went bigger and rebranded in July 2019 and it was a great decision. Our reach in Central Florida is growing and the future looks bright.
Q&A WITH RENEE GRANT, PRESIDENT & FOUNDING OWNER OF RUNNERS DEPOT
AS: What is your favorite thing about owning a business?
RG: There are so many positives in owning a business, it's hard to pick just one. But I'd have to say that the most exciting journey is setting my own goals and challenges, then setting my own plan to reach them, and finally seeing it all come to fruition! Whether it's as simple as hiring a new team of employees and watching them grow, or as involved as opening a new store and creating a new running community around it, it is all very fulfilling. It makes you want to get up every day and work hard because it's something you love.
AS: What is the most popular AfterShokz model in your store? Why do you think your customers love it?
RG: Our most popular model is the Aeropex. It's so light you don't know you're wearing it and the sound quality is amazing. Having the interactive display right at the front counter always makes customers curious and, once they try them out, they basically sell themselves. And, the fact that they are safer to wear while running because they don't obstruct your hearing is what customers love the most.
WOMEN-OWNED INDEPENDENT RUNNING RETAILERS TO SUPPORT
Shop online or in-store!
IRun Texas - Texas
Get Fit - Texas
iRun Local - New York
Up and Running - Ohio
Varsity Sports - Louisiana
Dash Sports - Florida
1st Place Sports - Florida
West Stride - Georgia
Totally Running - Georgia
RIOT (Run In Our Town) - North Carolina
Track Shack - Florida
Trak Shak - Alabama
Love2Run - Alabama
Fleet Feet Columbia - South Carolina
Georgia Game Changers - Georgia
Fleet Feet Greenville - South Carolina
Fleet Feet Hickory - North Carolina
Abbadabba's - Georgia
Outspokin Bikes - Florida
Fleet Feet Nashville - Tennessee
Footworks - Florida
Runners Depot - Florida
Mack Cycle - Florida
Fleet Feet Jackson - Mississippi
The Foot Store - South Carolina
Blue Sky Endurance - South Carolina
Fleet Feet Mobile - Alabama
Fleet Feet Columbia - Missouri
Fleet Feet Murfreesboro - Tennessee
Molly's - Florida
Fleet Feet Lexington - Kentucky
The Outdoor Experience - Tennessee
Caney Fork Cycles - Tennessee
Pro Cycle and Triathlon - Alabama
Cycle Center Columbia - South Carolina
Extra Mile Fitness Company - Indiana
Blue Birch Outfitters - Michigan
Run Detroit - Michigan
Runners Athletics - Michigan
Fleet Feet Fort Wayne - Indiana
Fleet Feet Sports Hartford - Connecticut
Fleet Feet Sports Hartford - Connecticut
Ridgefield Running Company - Connecticut
Darien Running Company - Connecticut
Charles River Running - Massachusetts
Bicycle World - Mt. Kisco - New York
Lucky Road Run Shop - Virginia
North Shore Running - Virginia, DC
TriSport Junction - Florida
Lex Running Shop - Florida
Potomac River Running - Florida
Bike Tech - Florida
Black Creek Outfitters - Florida
Big Wheel USA - Florida
Orange Cycle - Florida
The Running Elements - Florida
Running Zone - Florida
Winter Garden Wheel Works - Florida
LC Tri Shop - Florida
Gracianos Bicycle Center - Florida
4Run3 - Massachusetts
Fleet Feet Des Moines - Iowa
The Running Well Store - Missouri
Fleet Feet Rockford - Illinois
Fleet Feet Rockford - Illinois
Peak Running - Illinois
Fleet Feet Lincoln - Nebraska
Pulse Running - Idaho
Runners Roost - Lakewood - Colorado
Go Far Shop - Colorado
Treadz - Colorado
Treads N Threads - Colorado
Colisco - Colorado
Kaizen Scuba - New Mexico
Mudd N Flood - New Mexico
