Fleet Feet Sports Holds National Franchise Conference

Conference focuses on financial and inventory management, employee performance

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Fleet Feet, Inc., (www.fleetfeetsports.com) the nation’s leading franchisor of running specialty stores, met in New Orleans in January 2010 for its annual Winter Franchise Conference. Franchisees from 30 states attended workshops on staff development created exclusively for Fleet Feet Sports and participated in roundtable discussions focused on financial and inventory management.

Store employees also participated in sessions that centered on subjects key to staff performance. An exclusive trade show featuring 26 key vendors rounded out the conference and gave attendees the opportunity to view footwear and apparel lines scheduled for Fall 2010 delivery.

An awards dinner on Tuesday highlighted the record-breaking results for the Fleet Feet Sports franchise in 2009 – more than $96 million in sales and a 10 percent comp store gain. Fleet Feet, Inc. President Jeff Phillips commented, “In a year of tough financial challenges for the entire world, we’ve worked hard focusing on what’s best for our customers and the things we can control. The result has been twelve months of healthy growth and development for our customers and our business.”

Balega International, a sock manufacturer and Fleet Feet Sports vendor partner, presented its fifth InDuna Award to Arlene and Charles Woodruff, owners of Fleet Feet Sports in Albany. The InDuna Award is presented annually by Balega in recognition of a Fleet Feet Sports store that has made substantial contributions to its local community.

“Today, a lot of lip service is paid to community service, but it’s rare to find a couple for whom it’s a way of life,” said Balega General Manager Chris Bevin. “Charles and Arlene have spent a lifetime devoted to making their community a better place to live, with a focus on encouraging young people to live active lifestyles. Fleet Feet Sports is only their latest platform.”

About Fleet Feet Inc.
Fleet Feet, Inc. is the industry leader in franchising successful, community-oriented, specialty footwear, apparel, and accessory stores serving runners, walkers and lifetime fitness enthusiasts. Currently there are 90 Fleet Feet Sports stores located nationwide. Fleet Feet, Inc. offers support for existing and potential franchises from its corporate headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina.