Independent run specialty stores are quietly winning in retail—and it’s no accident.

While many sectors of retail are shrinking under the pressure of inflation, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer habits, independent running stores continue to thrive. In fact, the run specialty channel has never posted negative growth in over 25 years. That’s the kind of resilience most retailers can only dream of.

In a recent episode of The Footwear Retailer Podcast, host Pete Mohr sits down with Terry Schalow, Executive Director of the Running Industry Association (RIA), to dig into why these local shops are succeeding—and how others can learn from their playbook.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here
📩 Contact Terry Schalow directly
🌐 Explore the RIA and all member benefits

The $1.7 Billion Channel That’s Still Growing

Terry Schalow has spent over three decades in the footwear industry—from sales and product management at Asics to his current role leading RIA. And what he’s seen in the run specialty space is extraordinary: year-over-year growth, even through recessions and industry upheavals.

Why? Because these stores are community-driven, locally owned, and staffed by people who actually use the products they sell. They’re not competing on price—they’re competing on connection.

Three Pillars of RIA’s Success Strategy

The Running Industry Association doesn’t just support its members—it empowers them with tools and strategies that fuel real growth.

Here’s how:

1. Elevate Retailers

RIA helps members make smarter decisions faster with tools like:

• Freight savings programs (saving members up to $50K/year)
• The Product Data Collaborative (PDC) for streamlined POS integration
• Aggregated sales data and market intelligence
• Peer mastermind groups to share what’s working (and what’s not)

2. Strengthen the Industry

Beyond individual support, RIA fosters industry-wide connection:

• A member-only online forum for ongoing collaboration
• A boutique-style trade summit with top vendors and retailers
• Partnerships with associate members like POS providers and media platforms

3. Attract New Customers

From diversity initiatives to job boards, RIA helps stores grow sustainably:

• Tools to reach underserved communities (BIPOC, plus-size runners, etc.)
• A thriving job board to bring fresh talent into the channel
• Resources to ensure retail remains inclusive and future-focused

Tariffs, Inflation, and the Road Ahead

Of course, it’s not all smooth pavement.

Terry is quick to note the very real impact that tariffs and rising costs could have on independent retailers. While freight programs and shared resources help offset some challenges, upcoming tariffs could hit footwear hard—especially stores dependent on imports.

Still, he offers hope: “Retailers who stay connected—to their customers, suppliers, and peers—will weather the storm better than those who go it alone.”

What Makes Run Specialty Unique

So what actually defines a run specialty store?

According to Schalow, it’s not about square footage or sales volume. It’s about:

• Local ownership
• A focus on performance footwear
• Real product expertise from actual runners
• Deep involvement in the local running community

This model isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. And it’s a blueprint other specialty retail sectors could learn from.

Top Tips for Independent Retailers

Terry’s final advice for retailers navigating a volatile economy:

✅ Be smart with inventory – Choose products that move and generate cash flow
✅ Invest in community – Customers stick with stores that make them feel seen
✅ Join a network – You don’t have to solve every problem alone

Want the Inside Edge?

If you’re running a footwear or specialty retail store and want to:

• Save on logistics and product data management
• Join a like-minded peer group
• Get ahead of industry shifts like tariffs

Then the RIA may be the game-changing support system you need.

🔗 Join the Running Industry Association today
📧 Reach out to Terry Schalow for more info
🎙️ Listen to the full episode on The Footwear Retailer Podcast

TL;DR — Why This Episode Matters

• 🏃 Run specialty retail = 25+ years of growth
• 💡 Freight savings + data tools = real ROI for stores
• 🤝 Community, connection, and communication are the real differentiators
• 📈 Even in economic downturns, these stores grow

Want More Content Like This?

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🧠 #IndependentRetail #RetailSuccess #RunningIndustry
📦 #FootwearRetail #RetailLeadership #RIA
💬 #RetailResilience #RunningStoreMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth