FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fleet Feet is expanding its Fort Wayne footprint. Already a hit in southwest Fort Wayne, the running store will celebrate the grand opening of its second Summit City location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26 at 1549 W. Dupont Rd. in the Northbrook Shopping Center.
Fleet Feet offers shoes, apparel, and accessories, specializing in accurate fit and gait analysis for running, walking, and other fitness activities.
Both Fort Wayne stores are owned and operated by Jeanice Croy, Kevin Croy, and Maggie Croy-Schuck. They opened the Southwest location in 2013 to help the community embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. In six of the nine years the store has been open locally, it has been voted one of the “Best Running Stores in America” by The Running Event, North America’s largest running specialty trade show.
“We have over 120 miles of trails and, earlier this year, Fort Wayne was named a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America.” said Kevin Croy. “We train over 480 runners annually at our current location and are excited to be opening a second location.”
Fleet Feet Fort Wayne North is equipped with Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, curbside pickup, a modern design, and photography from local photographer Tim Brumbeloe. Its location offers the opportunity for special runs beginning at Fleet Feet, linking up with the nearby Pufferbelly Trail, and finishing back at the store.
“Fort Wayne has recently been named one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and we look forward to serving more members of the running and walking community,” said John Moloznik, vice president of development at Fleet Feet. “The Croy family is passionate about sharing running with their community and making a difference in keeping people healthy and active.”
Several grand-opening events and activities are scheduled for the coming days, including:
- Fort Wayne Mom Walk – Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. – free coffee and donuts (RSVP).
- Brooks Nitro Run Day – Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – free nitro-brew coffee and nitro-brew beer.
- New Balance Pub Run – Sept. 28, 5-7 p.m. – free refreshments.
- Saucony Fun Run – Sept. 29, 5-7 p.m. – free snow cones and popcorn.
- Altra Shake-Out Run – Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. – Cuban breakfast/brunch with Laz’s Cuban Café Food Truck.
All events, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony, are open to the public and begin at the Fleet Feet North store at 1549 W. Dupont Rd. Each event will feature shoe demos, discounts, giveaways, and free food and beverages.
About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores with more than 250 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C. Committed to offering personalized outfitting, robust training programs and rewards, community support and outreach, and 24 / 7 brand access at fleetfeet.com, each Fleet Feet location serves walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts based on the belief that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING®. Stay inspired, motivated, and connected at Fleet Feet.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement.
