The Death of Big Box Stores?

The Death of Big Box Stores?

The tide has certainly shifted over the past several years. With Macy’s, JC Penny, Sports Authority, Aeropostale and many more closing some or all of their doors,  it definitely raises the question,  why? We are seeing a change in what consumers expect from retailers. They are looking for great products, value and ultimately a great shopping experience.

 Online shopping has become the death of many big box stores simply because it’s easy and you can find what you want without a hassle. The thing online cannot offer a consumer is the ability to touch, feel, try on, be engaged and leave with exactly what you came in for. Because of this shift in what consumers want and expect, it has also been the success of smaller, locally owned and operated specially stores like Fleet Feet.  While much of the retail industry is down, we have managed to continue a healthy growth pattern.

 More and more consumers are looking at boutiques, specialty retailers, shops and restaurants for all of their needs. Carolyn and I shop and dine almost exclusively at these types of establishments. Sure we own a small business so we see that as being important. But we also love what they offer over the big box establishments. I love going to the local barber here. These young hipsters know how to really cut hair. It’s their craft, they’re passionate and it’s awesome watching them work and I leave with a great cut! We were downtown Stuart yesterday and stopped for lunch at the Osceola Cafe’. The food is hand crafted and just amazing. It’s prepared with the best, freshest ingredients and absolutely delicious. You can tell they are passionate about their food and business. I feel the same way about microbrew pubs and gastro pubs. They love their food, beer and deliver a level of service you can’t find any place else, it’s their craft and they take it seriously.

 We feel the same here at Fleet Feet Sports. This is our craft, we’re passionate about it and we take it seriously. Our goal is to deliver a level of service consumers cannot get any place else. Not just at a running specialty store, but any place. Carolyn and I are incredibly passionate about customer service. We know what we expect or want when we are out, so our goal is to deliver that and then, ratchet it up even more.

Fleet Feet Stuart has been here more than 13 years because of great customers like yourself shopping local. It can’t happen without you. Because of your continued support, we’ve managed to stay in business and experience positive growth. We currently employ a total of 14 employees. Five are full time, two others have full time jobs and work here part time because of their love for Fleet Feet. Three are full time students working their way through college. The other few are working here for the love of it also. Your continued support and business has employed a lot of amazing people over the years and put a bunch of kids through college. In addition, you have helped us grow this amazing running and walking community and change countless lives. Our medical outreach programs have helped many people live a healthier and happier life. My rough calculations suggest you have donated over 30,000 pairs of shoes that have all stayed local within our community. In addition, you have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Martin Health System, the Frances Langford Heart Institute and many other charities.

 We are incredibly grateful to be a part of this amazing community. Without you, we would not be here and for that, we thank each and every one of you. Your support over the years has been amazing. Carolyn and I, along with our amazing team, will continue to do our very best for you each time you visit us.