We are four months away from The Running Event (TRE) crowning the year’s best running store, but the retailers that are in the mix have just been revealed.
On Thursday, the running industry-focused trade show announced the winners of its 15th annual Best Running Stores awards program. The retailers will be honored on Nov. 21 at the 2024 Industry Awards Dinner, which will take place during TRE in Austin, Texas.
“We’ve been recognizing the best running stores for 15 years, and we’re in awe of the community each year,” TRE event director Christina Henderson told FN. “The industry has changed and evolved immensely in the past 15 years, but the support for the communities these stores support only grows stronger. The support for each other only grows stronger.”
The stores — 63 in total — include several past Store of the Year winners, such as Palmetto Running Co. in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (2023), Ridgefield Running Co. in Darien, Conn. (2022), Charlotte Running Co. in Charlotte (2021) and The Runner’s Edge MT in Missoula, Mont. (2019).
“The Best Running Stores program illustrates what makes the run specialty industry so special. Each store represents passion, commitment, care, innovation and forward progress,” Henderson said. “The winning stores support and motivate each other and the communities they serve. They’re key drivers in building the future of the running industry. The Best Running Stores Program celebrates and inspires the run specialty community.”
TRE stated its team received more than 15,000 nominations from customers, brands and industry professionals after they were opened in February, representing roughly 270 unique retailers across the country. Then, there was “an extensive evaluation process” that TRE explained considered store community engagement, employee benefits, mentorship and career opportunities, sustainability and inclusivity efforts, and innovation. Finally, 100 stores were visited by a secret shopper who assessed the in-store customer experience.
The winning stores will receive two complimentary passes to TRE, which includes hotel accommodations, and the reception will be open to all attendees and exhibitors for an additional fee.
TRE will take place Nov. 19-21 at the Austin Convention Center.
Last month, TRE revealed plans to expand Switchback, the outdoor specialty retail trade show it debuted in 2022. TRE added a Switchback section to its annual running trade show in November 2022, and in June 2025, it will become a standalone event, with the first taking place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. TRE plans to continue to host the outdoor-focused event twice a year.
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
