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By: Greg Koch
First and foremost, thank you for the overwhelming support for my last post. It wasn't easy to write, but the response has been incredibly humbling and supportive. I want to provide more details today because our business, and many other local businesses, need your sustained patronage. Here are a few points to expand on from my previous post, especially relevant as Amazon Prime Days approach. Supporting Local Businesses I would be willing to bet you've heard this phrase, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” My call to action is to give local businesses a chance to earn your dollars. At 605 Running Company, we know that running can be intimidating. Yet, the benefits of a healthy running community are vast. Did you know about seventy percent of people wear the wrong size shoe? The running shoe industry is huge, and even if you're not a runner, being well-fit for shoes is beneficial. This is why we exist. Additionally, some of the most popular brands in fashion got started in running (Hoka, ON, some brand with a famous logo ....) now is your chance to see the next trend and shop with us at 605 Running Company. During the pandemic, there was a strong push to support local businesses. Has this engagement faded in just a few short years? Early responses to my viral post suggest no. Many retailers have thanked me and reported an uptick in business due to the coverage. Shopping local stimulates economies and supports the American dream. Shopping local is a cultural shift that shapes a community. Online Shopping: The Local Alternative to Prime Days Yes, online shopping impacts markets, and the convenience of next-day delivery from giants like Amazon is undeniable. With Prime Days here, it's tempting to make purchases there, but I'd like to remind you that many local stores, including 605 Running Company, have robust online platforms that offer similar conveniences. You can shop our inventory and our vendors' products with options for in-store pickup or shipping. Supporting local businesses online still counts as shopping local (as long as you make those purchases on our sites). When you purchase from 605 Running Company’s online store, you support a local business that contributes to the community, rather than sending your dollars out of state or even out of the country. Here’s how shopping local online helps:
As a special thank you, we’re offering an online coupon worth 15% off purchases. Use the code "LOCAL" at checkout on shop.run605.com to save. Rent and Expenses Every business owner will tell you that rent is too high, but it's a part of doing business. Our top three expenses are rent, payroll, and cost of goods. We signed up for our rent because we believe in the value we offer. The point of my editorial is that not enough people are choosing to shop locally. Even the smallest purchases at local stores make a big impact. Politics My conversation is about choice—where we choose to spend our dollars. There's a place for politics, but not at the running store. After ten years in business we've operated under multiple administrations at every level of government. Truthfully it hasn't made much of a difference who is in office - retail business is hard work. Our retail struggles are not about politics but about community support. When folks choose to shop local, the entire community thrives. Isolation and Community Support In my previous writing, I shared feelings of isolation. Many local businesses feel the same. For those feeling isolated, The Helpline Center offers valuable resources, including the 988 number. You are not alone. Positive Outlook and Future Plans Customer Experience: We train our team to create a welcoming environment and offer solution-oriented service. To that point we are also working with Downtown Sioux Falls to create a unique secret shopper program. Our store recently was named a 2024 Best Running Store winner by The Running Event. This included a study on our wages, benefits, community support, and a national secret shopper program. We are committed to service. Community Events: Registration is open for the 605 Trail Race Festival. Soon, we'll open registration for our 4.37 Community Run supporting the 437 Project, our Trick or Treat Run supporting The Special Olympics of South Dakota, and the Gobble Wobble 10k supporting The Banquet. The Future: Our stores future remains uncertain. What I can tell our readers is that I personally don't have a Plan B other than 605 Running Company. That being said I cannot risk further financial hardship on my family to fulfill a business vision. These coming months are critical for our future and that means our sales have to be strong to survive. Because I'm not one to just call out problems I've got a list of action items every reader can partake in. Call to Action
This business and this community mean the world to me and to see both thrive is my goal. Sioux Falls is truly a great place to live and to work. I know times are difficult for a lot of folks. We are not looking for handouts, business advise, or marketing gurus. We just want the opportunity to sell you shoes, clothes and gear from great brands. Thank you for being part of our journey. Let's work together to ensure 605 Running Company remains a vibrant part of our community for years to come.
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