Surveys by Publications:
Footwear Insight Textile Insight Outdoor Insight

Would you appreciate a sales associate recommending a running safety related product if you were shopping for running footwear or apparel?

I think that recommendations for safety are great. There is zero harm that comes from getting a safety tip and it could have a very positive impact. Safety matters.
I would appreciate a sale associate letting me know anything of that nature. Male 39

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It might be helpful to get this opinion and sanity check against my own research.  Male 54

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I would definitely appreciate it, items like a rain jacket in the fall or socks when I buy shoes.  Male 22

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Not unless I was asking about it. Male 47

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I guess I wouldn’t mind personally. I think it could be taken the wrong way if it were a man talking to a woman or a white person talking to black person?  Female 35

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I may not purchase, but knowing the options would always be appreciated.  Male 39

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I appreciate the knowledge of different running products out there that can make me a better and safer runner.  Female 38

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Safety is always important and maybe a new and innovative product would pique my interest but I tend to stay pretty well prepared, especially on long runs.  
Male 37

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Most of the time all you hear about is the footwear and apparel, but nothing else, so it’s nice to hear about something else. Male 35

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As long as they weren’t simply selling one brand and sounded like they had professional and personal knowledge on products.  Female 30

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Maybe, as a woman a male telling me I need to be more safe may seem like I was being talked down to but woman to woman safety tips would be welcomed. Female 39

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Ask quickly if we are interested, but don’t force it down our throats either.  Male 22

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As a woman who runs solo and in the dark mornings occasionally I appreciate and take into consideration any new safety gear. Female 26

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If it was done the right way. Usually easy to spot the difference between someone trying to add an impulse buy to your purchase and someone who genuinely wants you to have a better experience. Male 35

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Maybe. It depends on if it felt gimmicky and fear-provoking for women.  Female 41

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Safety is important and it’s hard to find the right products to match the individual. Female 30

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I dislike suggestions on things I’m not asking about. As someone who goes into a store typically with an idea of what I’m looking for in mind, I don’t want to be distracted from that. It also would make me feel self-conscious like I look like a target.  Female 29

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It could slip my mind about the external factors of running if I am only there to buy the product in which I initially went [to the store] as well as an opportunity to see what is being used for safety.  Male 37

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If it was relevant to the type of running I do and if it was not excessively priced. Female 29

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Yes, I absolutely do. Sales Associates are usually very knowledgeable about the products they sell. They know the safest and newest products out at the moment. Female 26

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Yes, sometimes things don’t occur to us generally or we don’t know that a particular kind of safety equipment exists. So, it will be nice if I can be introduced to those by sales associates.  Female 35I don’t put a lot of value in what sales people suggest.  Male 43

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Anything I can to do keep myself safe while running. I have a friend who was hit while he was out running.  Male 44
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I am always interested in ways to keep myself more safe during my runs.  Female 39

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I actually rely on the staff of the stores to recommend gear. They usually have actually tried it. Male 46

Quotes

How important is a “Made In America” product label in your decision making process?

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT / 63%

“I prefer to buy American but knowing that many products are sourced elsewhere and only assembled in the US has decreased my interest in shopping this way.” Male / 30

“Love to support local companies, but not a decisive factor in my decision-making.” Male / 28

“If it is comparably priced to a product that isn’t made in USA, I’ll pick the one made in USA.”
Female / 36

“While Made in America is nice to know, price is also important.” Female / 37

“More importantly would be what state it is made in. Made in America feels quite general.” Male / 27

“It is more important when purchasing items online. If I can determine quality (and fit) for a product in a brick-and-mortar store, where it is made does not matter.” Female / 45

“The assumption is a USA made product will be quality but that does not always hold true.” Male / 28

“As long as the company treats their employees fair, it doesn’t matter what country it comes from.” Female / 30

“I generally do not think about where a product is made before grabbing it, but if I happen to notice two products side-by-side and one clearly states that it’s made in the USA, I’ll get that one, depending on the price difference.” Male / 27

VERY IMPORTANT / 22%

“I prefer Made in America to help our own economy grow and because I believe our quality is second to none.” Male / 31

“It will be the decider between two similar items.” Male / 18

Because we make a good quality products Female / 39

“I enjoy most when a product is made here in the U.S. We have all the resources and talent.” Male / 38

“Giving back to American is very important to me.” Female / 38

NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL / 22%

“There is no clear benefit to ‘Made in America’where product quality is concerned, and price is usually higher regardless.” Male / 32

“I’m more concerned about the brand than where it’s made.” Female / 37

“Things made in America are usually more expensive and not always better quality.” Female / 29

“Great quality products are made [all over] the world. I would love to keep the money in the American economy because I live here but it would not affect my decision to purchase a product.” Male / 31‍

Quotes

Do you relate the concern about plastics to your wardrobe products made with polyester?

YES / 34%

“I recently washed a sweater then dried it by mistake. The way it feels and ‘sounds’ makes me wonder what it really is!” Female / 49

“Natural items sound better.” Female / 56

“I do know this is a bi-product, but its synthetic nature outweighs the plastic concern.” Male / 38

“I worry about toxins in all areas of the environment, including my clothes!” Female / 48

“I try and limit plastics both in my housewares and my clothing (like polyester) as they can harm sea-life.” Male / 31

NO / 66%

“I’ve never thought of this before. I think I should.” Female / 41

“I had not considered that before, but it’s a good point that probably gets overlooked due to water bottles and grocery bags getting most of the press.” Male / 30

“I hadn’t thought about clothing being part of the growing plastic accumulation on our planet.” Male / 41

“I haven’t yet, however after reading this question I will be.” Female / 38

“I never really thought about plastic being in polyester. That’s a really great question.” Male / 29

“I’ve never really thought about that to be honest since polyester is so ingrained in the outdoor community.  This is something I’m going to have to research more.” Male / 42