Fleet Feet Sports, which operates 154 stores across the country, will expand into Chattanooga this fall with a new outlet on Chattanooga's North shore.
Running store veteran Steve Carter, who previously managed a Fleet Feet Sports store in Huntsville, Ala., will operate and manage the new store, which will be located at 313 Manufacturers Road.
Carter spent 11 years working alongside Huntsville store co-owners Dink and Suzanne Taylor, followed by training in Fleet Feet Sports' flagship store in Carrboro and participation in a staff leadership development program.
"We've been putting together the pieces for the right opportunity to enter into the robust Chattanooga market for some time now, and are just thrilled at the outcome, "says Jeff Phillips, CEO and president of Fleet Feet Inc. "The NorthShore neighborhood and its collection of locally-owned small businesses is already a tremendous destination for the Chattanooga community, and is the perfect place for a passionate professional like Steve to set up in and really start making a difference."
Carter's wife Jennifer, an established coach for the brand's No Boundaries running training program, will lead all training program efforts in the new location, also building 10k and half-marathon programs. The training programs will join other signature features of the franchise including an industry-leading FIT process, community outreach and support, premier partnerships with top running brands including New Balance, Asics, Nike, and Brooks, and a premium in-store experience grounded in service, knowledge, and discovery.
"For a guy that's wanted to own his own running store since the age of 15, this is a dream-come true," says Carter. "I know the impact a well-run running store can make in a community from witnessing what Dink and Suzanne have been able to do in Huntsville, and I look forward to building that same type of energy, health, and passion in Chattanooga,"
The Chattanooga location becomes the 155th Fleet Feet Sports location and the sixth in Tennessee.