Fleet Feet Named to Inc.’s 2022 Best in Business List

December 6, 2022

The running retailer is recognized for its impact on its community and industry as a whole

CARRBORO, N.C. (December 6, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Fleet Feet announced today that it has been named to Inc.’s 2022 Best in Business list for making an extraordinary impact in its community. The third-annual list recognizes private companies putting purpose ahead of profit. Fleet Feet was honored in the Retail category.

“At Fleet Feet, we believe that it’s a privilege to serve. Our franchise owners, local operators and store teams are driven by their passion and commitment to their customers; they embody the best of community retail,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “We take pride in being the national resource for local running and are honored by Inc.’s recognition as one of the best brands in business.”

With more than 250 locations across the country, Fleet Feet is the largest specialty run retailer in the country and serves thousands of customers daily. Each store comprises local owners or operators, managers, and employees who work to support their customers. The dedication to service extends beyond the sales floor, with each location supporting its local organizations and events whenever possible.

Fleet Feet is rooted in the belief that running is for everyone and has the power to effect positive, lasting change. From helping the customer searching for solutions for their aching feet to the customer running their 10th marathon—Fleet Feet offers a people-first retail experience.

“Inc. magazine is dedicated to showcasing America’s most dynamic businesses and the great things they do,” said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “The Best in Business awards shine a light on those that have gone above and beyond their original mission to make a social, environmental or economic impact, benefiting those around them.”

Rather than relying on quantitative criteria tied to sales or funding, Inc.’s editors reviewed the companies’ achievements over the past year and noted how they made a positive difference in the world. They then selected honorees in 55 different categories—from advertising to sustainability to retail—and further broke them down into age-based, revenue-based, size-based, and impact-based categories.

This is the third business award the brand has received in the last quarter. In October, Fleet Feet was named to Fast Company‘s Brands That Matter list for having an indisputable impact on business and culture. In November, Fleet Feet was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 2022 Fast 50 list, recognizing Fleet Feet as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina, where Fleet Feet is headquartered.

Additionally, within the running industry, 12 locally owned and operated Fleet Feet stores were named this month to the 2022 Best Running Stores list.

Learn more about Inc.’s Best in Business honorees here.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, with more than 250 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C. Committed to offering personalized outfitting, robust training programs and rewards, community support and outreach, and 24 / 7 brand access at fleetfeet.com, each Fleet Feet location serves walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts based on the belief that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING®. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

About INC.

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.