Are you ready for the next chapter in your life? Are you ready to invest in and work for yourself? Do you appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and would you find it fulfilling to help others meet their health and fitness goals? We can help! We will walk you through every step in the process. You’ll even have a coach to guide you through the first year. To find out more, click on the “GET STARTED” button and we’ll be in touch. You can do this!

The Process

1
Research and Exploration

Fleet Feet provides you with information to help you decide if Fleet Feet franchise ownership is something you’d like to explore further.

2
Interview Process

Discussions with Fleet Feet staff to determine if Fleet Feet franchise ownership is a good fit.

3
Financial Review

We review your finances and work with you to develop a financial plan.

4
Phone Calls and Visits with Existing Franchisees

This is one of the most important steps in the due diligence process. Speaking with existing franchisees provides insight into what this entails from the perspective of someone who does it every day.

5
Visit our Corporate Office

Learn more about our company, our culture, and the resources we provide by meeting with senior brand leaders.

6
Market Visits

We work with you to find the ideal market and opportunity.

7
Signing Franchise Agreement

This is the big day. After signing, we review the financial model and create an opening timeline.

8
Site Selection and Lease Negotiation

A member of our real estate team travels with you to your market to help you with site selection and the entire lease negotiation process. Our master real estate broker and legal team are here to help, too.

9
Design and Build Out

Collaboration begins with our team to design and build the best store for you, your customers, and your community. We work with you every step of the way.

10
Training

We provide regular training at our offices in Carrboro, NC, online, and in existing stores, so you are well-prepared for opening day.

11
Opening

You’re ready to open your Fleet Feet doors to your local community and the world! We’re here for finishing touches, support, and celebration.

12
Ongoing Support

All new franchisees are assigned a Corporate Franchise Development Specialist who works with you from the signing of your franchise development agreement through your first year of store ownership. As a Fleet Feet franchise, you always have access to a support network of more than 170 stores and our 50-plus person corporate team. Consider us your best employee.

Resources

In-Store Experience

We focus on the in-store experience because we are passionate about every customer’s success.

Our exclusive 3D foot scanning system, fit id™ provides us with an unmatched fit process delivered by our expertly trained staff. We curate a selection of the best and latest product from our vendor partners, and our exclusive relationship with the Finnish running brand Karhu means Fleet Feet is the only retailer in the U.S. that offers its premium running shoes.

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Staffing

We believe that, as a brand, we have a responsibility to empower the next generation of industry leaders. We help you train and develop your employees in different ways: during year-round training workshops, with an online education library, and through our operating partner program.  

We provide training on:

  • Leadership and Management
  • Footwear and Apparel Buying
  • Marketing
  • Training Program Coaching
  • Merchandising
  • Product and Technology
  • Anatomy and Biomechanics
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Marketing

We build professional marketing campaigns and assets (both digital and print), so you can focus less on creating assets and more on what matters most: your customers. 

  • Our in-house marketing and design department provides materials to offset in-store time and resources.
  • We focus on both national and local brand-building moments that support your local market.
  • We curate relevant content to educate, inspire, and motivate potential and existing customers everywhere.
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Operations

We create operational efficiencies, so that you have more time to focus on growing your business. 

  • Buying and inventory management tools
  • Comprehensive business insurance
  • Best practices for organizational structure
  • System-wide gift card program
  • Cloud-based POS
  • Cleanest industry data
  • Category benchmarks to help identify growth opportunities
  • Trend analysis and sales forecasting
  • Customer survey platform to provide a forum for customer feedback and referrals
  • An accessories distribution center so you can buy all your accessories in one place
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Ecommerce Solution

In a quickly-changing retail scape, where our customers shop is important to us. We are committed to helping them find exactly what they need when they need it, both in stores and online. Our brand-wide e-commerce system quickly and easily plugs into your local business. Here’s how:

  • Orders fulfilled locally at store level
  • Sales commission paid to your store
  • Customers access localized inventory with an option to buy online and pick up in store
  • Creates an endless aisle that meets customers on their terms
  • Helps reduce special orders
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Finance

A well-run back-of-house creates a healthy front-of-house. Our revolutionary CFO in a Box program allows you to hire us to perform many of your back office finance functions so you can focus on running your business.

We streamline the invoice process for you with an online approval system, reconcile your bank and credit card statements, and review your financial statements with the goal of hitting the financial benchmarks necessary to run a healthy business.

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Email Platform

We understand the importance of staying in touch with your current and potential customers. Our email platform provides key benefits that allow you to eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on other parts of your business.

  • A library of prebuilt newsletter templates with articles about products, nutrition, injuries, and more. The best part? You can select which articles to include and add your own content specific to your local market.
  • Access to a library of relevant images. 
  • A built-in communication hub that links our corporate team with franchisees and franchisees to other franchisees to ensure that you and your employees always have the most up-to-date tools and best practices.
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Vendor Partnerships

With Fleet Feet, you will gain national account recognition with accompanying discounts, invoice terms, discretionary funds, and access to exclusive product. Plus, we have dedicated vendor brand managers who work in-house to drive opportunity and collaboration. 

We help facilicate the opening of your vendor accounts and work closely with all key brands including, but not limited to, Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike and Saucony. Plus, Fleet Feet has the exclusive on all Karhu running products. We guide you on product assortments but don't mandate what you carry and don't carry.

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FAQ

We are dedicated to opening successful, profitable businesses and have high standards for our franchise candidates. Who makes an ideal Fleet Feet franchisee?

We are looking for:

  • Driven entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders
  • Team players
  • People who see problems as opportunities
  • Educators and motivators 
  • People with excellent organizational skills

What kind of support can I expect from Fleet Feet?

We will give you the tools and support to acquire, serve, and retain customers, and manage a business with optimum results. Areas of training we provide include (but are not limited to):

  • The Fleet Feet customer experience
  • Fit process 
  • Daily Store Operations/POS System
  • Hiring, training, and managing staff
  • Marketing your business in your local community
  • Financial and inventory management 
  • Purchasing

What are the costs associated with opening a store?

Candidates should have a net worth of at least $250,000.

Your total investment will fall between $169,000 and $416,000. You will be expected to put down a minimum of 30% which is generally equal to $100,000 (some may come from friends, family, or investors). The remaining balance can be funded through a collateralized bank loan or line of credit. Fleet Feet must approve the lender.

Major costs include:

Initial franchise fee
$38,000 (Fleet Feet employees who have worked for the brand for 36+ months receive $10,000 off the initial fee.)
Opening Inventory
$60,000 to $100,000
Real Estate and Improvements
$30,000 to $100,000
Store Fixtures
$30,000 to $90,000
Computer System
$7,500 to $15,000

Other costs include:

  • 4% monthly royalty and ¼ % monthly marketing fund
  • Monthly utility and software costs associated with running a business

Will Fleet Feet open another store in my market?

Upon execution of your franchise agreement, you will receive a protected area consisting of a population base of approximately 200,000 (provided the population does not exceed a 25-mile radius). We will not operate nor allow another party to operate a Fleet Feet retail store within your protected area during the life of the agreement.

How long does it take to open a store?

The typical timeline is 8 to 12 months.  It may take longer if you don’t live in the area where you plan to open.

Do I have to work in my store?

Yes, our franchise owners work in their stores. We do not franchise with investment or absentee owners. Our owner-operators bring a distinct competitive advantage to our business model.

Will I be allowed to open more than one location?

Yes, if it makes sense both financially and operationally and the market can support it.

Does Fleet Feet franchise internationally?

No.  At this time, we are not set up to open franchises outside of the United States.

How many square feet should my store be?

The size will vary based on real estate in your market. Most new stores open with 1500 to 2000 square feet.

Do I purchase product directly from vendors or from Fleet Feet, Inc.?

You will purchase most inventory directly from vendors and we’ll help you establish both your credit and relationships with vendors.  We make certain equipment and branded products available for purchase from us at your option.

How does the Fleet Feet name help support my relationship with vendors?

With Fleet Feet, you will gain national account recognition with accompanying discounts, invoice terms, discretionary funds and access to exclusive product.

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