If you shop in your local running specialty store, what are your primary reasons for doing so?

“I trust a store more that specializes in running.” Male 27

“Their customer service and help with shoe fittings is top notch, and I shop for more running specific merchandise-gear and fuel for my runs.” Female 39

“Their knowledge of what I need.” Male 51

“I go to the store to physically try on shoes if I’m jumping to a new model or brand.” Male 43

“I like my local running store. The associates are friendly and very knowledgeable. I want to keep them in the neighborhood and the best way to do that is to spend money there. They also provide lots of running/training groups that wouldn’t exist without them.” Female 37

“To get advice.” Male 48

“Gifts. Running GU, last minute needs before a race if I didn’t plan ahead.
Socks. I browse for cute running clothes but almost never buy. I like to see what cool new running gadgets there are out there.” Female 40

“I like talking with staff who know specifically about running and the gear in their store, and I like supporting local businesses.” Male 34

“Great service. Local support. Knowledgeable sales force.” Male 40.

“Better selection of shoes and staff that is experienced with running and my specific needs. Equipment in running stores is good for determining proper fit and sizing.” Male 36

“In the past, I’ve benefited from a sales associate watching how I run and recommending a brand of sneaker based on my form.” Female 37“Getting fitted.” Female 36

“It has shoes that fits my feet, like curves, and they are easy to talk to.” Female 36

“Selective inventory. A run specialty store might be the only local store who stocks a certain shoe.” Male 38

“I like to support businesses that support the community. I buy every other pair of shoes from a local store. The other pair is bought online, typically the same shoe from the running store, it’s just a shoe model later.” Female 43

“They know my needs, watch my gait and generally their shoe recommendations are spot on! I can also get listings of local races and running clubs.” Female 37

“Loyalty program with discounts, in-store fitting, experience.” Male 32

“I want to make sure I have the right shoe with my running gait, and to make sure that the shoe I buy is going to support my feet and legs the best.” Male 31

“Because I trust their opinions.” Female 38

“I like going in for fitting. If it fits well, I tend to purchase a few more online of the same model and size.” Female 35

“They donate time and money to local schools/clubs for kids and we are willing to pay more to support them.” Male 34

“I prefer to support local small business. Their service is amazing and the owners and people who are there rock.”Male 53

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

Surveys by publication

If you shop in your local running specialty store, what are your primary reasons for doing so?

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

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