Fleet Feet Expands in North Carolina with New Jacksonville Store

April 9, 2025

Locally owned location brings premier outfitting experience to Onslow County

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (April 9, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the opening of its newest store in Jacksonville, N.C., on April 16. Fleet Feet Jacksonville is located at 1154 Western Blvd., in the Westwood Village Shopping Center. This marks the third Fleet Feet store for franchise owner Michelle Fogle.

Fogle opened her first Fleet Feet store at the Forum Shopping Center in Wilmington 10 years ago, followed by a second Wilmington location two years ago. Her stores have seen impressive growth, expanding from a staff of five to 42 employees. Fleet Feet Wilmington has trained more than 350 community members for races ranging from 5Ks to marathons, and hosts two popular fun run groups with more than 250 participants.

“Fleet Feet is more than just a running store—we’re a place where people come to find solutions, achieve their goals and connect with a supportive community,” says Fogle. “Jacksonville is a thriving city, and I’m excited to bring Fleet Feet’s personalized outfitting experience to this area.”

Fleet Feet Jacksonville will celebrate its grand opening on May 10 with a community run, raffle giveaways, and gifts with purchase. The store will feature a curated selection of performance footwear, apparel and accessories from top brands like Brooks, New Balance, Vuori and rabbit. Customers will have access to Fleet Feet’s exclusive fit id® outfitting process, which uses 3D foot scanning technology to assess foot shape and gait for a customized shoe fitting experience.

Conveniently located in Jacksonville’s bustling Western Blvd. shopping corridor, Fleet Feet Jacksonville will serve as a hub for the local running and walking community. While training programs will not launch immediately, the store plans to introduce group runs and community events in the future.

“Michelle has built a reputation for outstanding service and community engagement,” says John Moloznik, vice president of franchise operations and development at Fleet Feet. Her dedication to helping customers move comfortably, combined with her proven success in Wilmington, makes her the perfect leader to bring Fleet Feet’s personalized experience to Jacksonville.”

Fogle’s commitment to community extends beyond her stores. She actively supports charitable organizations in the Cape Fear region, with a focus on youth enrichment, military families and individuals experiencing housing instability. Her four-year-old daughter, Harper, is already a familiar face at Fleet Feet fun runs, enthusiastically pulling raffle tickets and dreaming of working alongside her mother one day.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacksonville residents into the Fleet Feet family,” says Fogle. “Whether you’re training for a race, looking for all-day comfort or just starting your fitness journey, we’re here to help you find your perfect fit.”

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

Media Contact:

Sean VanHorn, Backbone Media
Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806
Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media