Good evening, my fellow City-Data friends!
At some point in the future I would like to become an entrepreneur, opening a running-oriented store in the downtown business district of either Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA. As an avid runner here myself there is
no local outlet here for serious runners and casual runners alike to meet, converse, and shop for their necessities, and I'm hoping to become successful by catering to this untapped niche market.
I've spoken to numerous people who think this would be worthwhile to have operational in our area, and my goal is to sign the dotted line either on a lease agreement or to purchase a commercial building by my 30th birthday (I'm 22 now). Some things I'd sell would include (but not be limited to):
- Nike Shocks (and other comfortable shoes meant for high-performance and high-endurance activity).
- iPods and iTunes gift cards.
- Socks (Including thermal ones for our cool climate)
- Foot warmers
- Antiperspirants
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water, energy drinks, Vitamin water, etc.
- Supplements
- Dumbbells
- Wrist ID holders
- Belt-clip water bottle holders
- Thermoses
- Running apparel
- Shaving cream/razors (for those sleek legs)
- Running-oriented magazines and books
- Treadmills
I'd also keep my business "fresh" by frequently updating my web site (which would also serve as a second retail outlet for those who don't wish to drive to our physical store), a mailing list informing patrons of upcoming promotional offers and special events, occasional appearances by notable runners and local athletes, and weekly free seminars given by paid dietitians and personal trainers with the anticipation that those who attend will be more inclined to take up running as a serious hobby (and turn to my store for all of their needs, telling their friends in the process). I'll also sponsor numerous banners along the route of the Steamtown Marathon, our annual hometown race, and I also hope to create the NEPA Runners' Guild, which will be a group that will form that will take weekend trips to state parks and other points of interest throughout the region, fostering friendships and a greater love of running.
Is anyone on this forum currently operating a similar sort of business? If so, any sort of advice you can offer to me would be greatly appreciated.