This afternoon I stopped in Harpenden to go into my favourite running shop only to find it was closed and empty. According to a neighbouring shop, they've had to leave as times were difficult.
That's a real shame, if you've read my review (March 2011) you'll know it had a lot going for it in terms of personal attention and service. As good as some mail order companies are, they don't do a Gait Analysis to help you choose the right shoes or give you the advice, local information and all those useful snippets of advice.
A great pity.
ReplyDeleteIt is becoming incresingly difficult for small specialist shops to survive.
Part of the reason is that money is so tight these days.
I am still running in last years cheapo trainers that are now split at the sides.
They will probably be replaced by another pair of cheap,non-specific shoes from some large,discount outlet.
Thanks Anon. I (and thousands of others) like a bargain from the likes of Wiggle but there is a negative side - local employment, expertise etc. It's a dilemma, isn't it?
ReplyDelete