Miles and Miles of Events: The Running Well Store Celebrates its Customer Base

Owner of The Running Well Store, Kathy Gates, pictured at her meet and greet at the Barry Road location for Small Business Saturday.

December of 2023 marks the 10 year anniversary of the establishment of The Running Well Store in the Kansas City area.  Starting in 2013, it has since grown into four different stores across both Missouri and Kansas.  Owner of The Running Well Store, Kathy Gates, hosted a week long celebration leading up to the occasion.  

Lasting five days in total, each event was meant to attract the store's customer base.  Gates detailed that she wanted to share her appreciation to the people that make the store possible.  “Without their continued support and loyalty to our store, we wouldn’t be here,” said Gates.  Thus, each event was centered around how to make each store's customer base feel valued.

Black Friday kicked off the events, featuring numerous deals in each store.  Approximately 12 brands ranging from Brooks, Altra, New Balance and Asics were discounted.  Many apparel styles, including high end Vuori, were marked down as well.  Angela Reed, manager at the Lee's Summit location, explained this was important for her customer base stating it “was more than just a sale”.  Reed said that many in the area could not afford the high prices so the deals “made them feel more welcomed” instead of alienating them from the store.  

The next event coincided with Small Business Saturday on November 25.  This day was meant to celebrate small businesses and their contribution to their community.  However, Gates had a different interpretation.  Gates held small meet and greets at each of the four locations, serving wine and kombucha.  Her purpose was to express to customers her gratitude for their loyalty and support.  Mary Nacrelli, manager at the Barry Road location, said this event showcased what sets the store apart from other places because “we work harder to keep customers”.  Even on a day meant to celebrate the store, Gates still manages to make customers feel cherished.

Sunday the 26th was used as a time for the stores to prepare for Cyber Monday, shipping out items with handmade messages to customers.  Becker Griffin, team lead at the Martin City location, said he had “never been at a job so committed to customers” and it was a refreshing change.  Cyber Monday was the third event where Gates advertised free shipping sites wide to all customers.  “While it may not have been big, something is better than nothing,” said Gates.

The final event was Giving Tuesday.  Customers were encouraged to come in and donate old shoes to The More Foundation.  The organization works to take recycled shoes and turn them into produce trees, providing for villages in third world countries.  While the week had been dedicated to customers, Gates said she wanted “the community to come together and help others less fortunate”.  The event brought in an estimated total of 200 plus shoes according to Meredyth Melcher, in charge of inventory and the buyer for The Running Well Store.  

While the events may now be over, the attitude at The Running Well Store remains the same.  “We will always share our appreciation for customers, no occasion needed,” said Nacrelli.  Gates encourages all to come shop at the Barry Road, Mission, Martin City or Lees Summit location for any walking, running or working needs.