Essentially Speaking

Part 2 ... Vendors offer more insight into selling the category.

“Offering samples is a great strategy for run specialty retailers to sell more essential/accessory products. By providing customers with free samples, retailers can give their customers the chance to try out products firsthand. This can increase the likelihood of customers making a purchase and also create a positive shopping experience. Retailers can provide samples at the point of sale or include them in online orders to encourage customers to try new products.” — Randi

Zabriskie, Floyd’s of Leadville

“Selling essentials like sports medicine and recovery products is paramount to a retailer’s success. This helps define whether a store is a run specialty store or just a shoe store. If you are a run specialty store, you are offering the runner a full assortment of products to keep them active and healthy in pursuing their running goals. The key to selling sports medicine and recovery products is prominent merchandising, clear packaging that explains exactly what a product does and how it works and an educated staff. Educating your staff does not need to be a time-consuming process.” —Jeff

Rodgers, CEO, Pro-Tec

“Retailers should consider a more holistic approach to customer needs. They should consider not only the experience of running, but also products that support preparation and recovery. As consumers shift towards more proactive behaviors – taking care of their bodies, opting for sustainable products and prioritizing wellness – retailers should offer them essential products that meet these needs.” — Libie Motchan, Co-founder, Fulton

KINFIELD

Kinfield’s Daily Dew hydrating facial sunscreen with SPF 35 is part moisturizer, part sport-ready sunscreen. MSRP: $26

OAKLEY

Developed with the casual runner in mind, the Oakley Actuator features a universal round shape with larger sized lenses for optimal coverage. Adjustable wire core temples and O Matter frame material help provide comfort and durability, along with Unobtainium nose pads that feature an anti-bobbing bridge design for a no-slip grip. MSRP: $173–$223

Yes To

Yes To’s Cucumber Face Wipes are a quick and easy way to clean a face after a good sweat and are good for sensitive skin. MSRP: $6.29

One Odio

OneOdio’s OpenRock Pro Earbuds feature an open-fit design to allow air pressure to stay equalized while ensuring environmental sounds can be heard for a safer and more comfortable wear. MSRP: $129.99

Gu Energy

New from GU is Raspberry Lemonade Energy Gel, with 10 percent of proceeds benefit Rising Hearts and its Running on Native Lands initiative. In celebration of this partnership, special edition eight-packs feature the art of Indigenous ultrarunner Yatika Starr Fields. Caffeine free, gluten free and vegan. MSRP: $12.80–$38.40

Foot Balance

FootBalance custom impact insoles offer support and stability, featuring increased shock absorption on the heel and ball of the foot, which helps to reduce stress-related injuries. Molded and personalized in-store to the unique contours of runners’ feet in just a few minutes. MSRP: $80

PARA’KITO

Para’Kito Natural Insect Repellent Spray is a topical repellent spray that offers enhanced protection against mosquitoes and ticks for up to eight hours. The spray is water and sweat-resistant. MSRP: $19.50

Cheribundi

Cheribundi’s all-natural Tart Cherry Juice & Concentrates help to reduce muscle soreness, support immunity, reduce inflammation and provide better sleep. The new Pure Concentrate Pouch was created to give runners an onthe-go boost. MSRP: $3–$3.49

Wave Tools Therapy

The Wave features nine arcs and edges to scrape and massage away tension, strains, trigger points and scar tissue. The tool is large enough to manage the biggest muscle groups, yet small enough to fit in a pocket. MSRP: $49.99