Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores in the U.S., is reporting that new franchisees Chris and Angie Walker have opened a new Fleet Feet location in Hattiesburg, MS with a Grand Opening scheduled for January 2025.
Chris Walker began his career with Fleet Feet 13 years ago after participating in an evening run at Fleet Feet Jackson. The more he got into running, the more he thought about opening his own running store. Walker spent years trying to find a career in which he was passionate and began working at Fleet Feet Jackson in 2012. He questioned whether he would ever open his own store, and one day, helped an older woman find the right pair of shoes and insoles; she was moved to tears after finally finding a comfortable pair of shoes. Walker channeled that rewarding feeling of helping someone into fueling his dream of opening his own store, and with the support of his wife, is opening Fleet Feet Hattiesburg five years later.
"Opening this store is a dream come true," said Walker. "My wife and I met at Fleet Feet Jackson. I was coaching one of our half marathon training programs. She was a participant, and I ran with her pace group during a Saturday group run one day. We spent several miles talking, and "running changed everything! We're looking forward to finally opening our own Fleet Feet, and having our story come full circle."
As a family-owned business, the Walkers are committed to supporting Hattiesburg's active lifestyle and giving back to the community. Walker previously volunteered at Grace Place in Jackson, MS, and plans to continue engaging with local charities and organizations in Hattiesburg.
"Chris has been a member of the Fleet Feet family for more than a decade and we couldn't be more excited to watch him develop into this new role as a franchise owner alongside his wife, Angie," said John Moloznik, vice president of retail development, Fleet Feet, Inc. "This community is full of active, health-conscious individuals. With two large hospitals, an army base, two universities and a 44-mile-long running trail nearby, Fleet Feet Hattiesburg will be a great resource not only for athletes of all levels, but for people simply looking for a comfortable pair of shoes to support them through their workday."
Beginning in Spring, Fleet Feet Hattiesburg will offer half marathon and 5K training programs; a fall training program is expected to be offered later this year.
For more than 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet's nationwide network of community- based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything.