National running retailer Fleet Feet Sports has entered an exclusive retail partnership with Finnish running brand Karhu, whereby Fleet Feet Sports will be the sole retailer of Karhu running shoes at its 170 stores as well as online at FleetFeetSports.com. The deal marks the first time Fleet Feet Sports has had an exclusive for all running shoe models of a brand.
The partnership is set to launch with Karhu’s updated Fast 6 (MSRP $140) and Fluid 5 (MSRP $120) in February.
“This channel of distribution is called run specialty for a reason,” explained Jeff Phillips, CEO and president of Fleet Feet Sports. “For four decades, it has represented a special service and experience for runners, and the products we carry need to reflect something unique and special as well. In Karhu, we’re able to re-emphasize the specialty of product found exclusively in our stores, which I believe is a really important aspect of our business. We must continue to leverage special products at a time when both product and price competition is prolific, and the majority of products sold in our stores can be found on Amazon or in the Amazon marketplace.”
“Like Fleet Feet Sports, we have a rich and rooted history and passion in running,” says Huub Valkenburg, CEO of Karhu. “I believe strongly in our products, and I know that belief isn’t the only thing that creates success—it’s finding the right partner to launch with into a market. In Fleet Feet Sports, we have that partner, brand champion, and expert who will help customers identify Karhu as a solution for them and advance the brand in a meaningful way.”
In July 2017, Karhu and Fleet Feet Sports will introduce the first running shoe featuring Karhu’s Ortix Fit, technology that provides an ergonomically shaped last, said the companies.
Fleet Feet Sports and Karhu will exhibit together at the upcoming The Running Event in December.
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