Earlier this month, specialty run retailer Fleet Feet was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. The franchise of 275 locations nationwide is listed as the 48th fastest-growing company in retail. The list ranks companies on three years of annual revenue growth and is considered America’s entrepreneurial benchmark.
Fleet Feet President and CEO Joey Pointer accredits the company’s success to its high-touch customer-service model, with each local franchise focusing on building meaningful connections to their communities. “We have 275 stores across the country and about 60% are locally owned,” he confirms. “Since last year, we’ve opened 24 new locations, and 20 of those stores were franchises, so it’s a key driver of our growth and an area where we’ll continue to focus.”
Franchising, he says, allows the company to work with dedicated entrepreneurs who share the brand’s core vision as well as a deep understanding of their local communities. “We’re able to tap into their local knowledge and expertise to create something truly unique in each market,” Pointer adds. “Franchising also supports scalability. New franchisees benefit from our 48-year history, our Store Support Team and the insights of fellow Fleet Feet store owners, while we’re able to expand our store footprint.”
Fleet Feet offers comprehensive training, resources, and ongoing support to local owners, but the company trusts the day-to-day to local experts. “We have a partnership where we offer the strength of our brand and operational support, while owners bring the local touch that helps us connect with, serve and inspire the runner in every community,” Pointer says.
The company is relying on that tried-and-true model to continue expanding. (It’s on track to open another 15 stores by the end of the year and hit $600M in systemwide sales.) Fleet Fleet feet has also made new leadership hires across departments and launched a new loyalty program, Fleet Feet Milestones. “We’re laser focused on making the customer experience even better at every level,” the CEO adds. “Our retail teams are focused on community outreach — from hosting medical provider events to track team nights — and our digital team is working on improving our website to make our e-commerce experience smoother and more enjoyable.”
