In honor of co-founders Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen, who paved the way for Fleet Feet’s 186 stores across the U.S., the retailer has released a limited edition Heritage Collection. The lifestyle apparel collection features retro-inspired designs, iconic images and moments from the brand’s past.

Fleet Feet opened its doors in Sacramento, CA, in 1976. Despite a difficult first year of business, Edwards and Jansen were profitable and turned their running store into a hub for the running community — a place where runners could gather with friends, go for runs and see the latest shoes and gear. It became a place for inspiration and helping people experience a life changed by running.

Fleet Feet’s milestone anniversary comes on the heels of a significant growth period for the brand. Despite a turbulent year for retail in 2020, Fleet Feet served nearly 1.2 million customers amid the pandemic through e-commerce growth, new store openings, the introduction of innovative technology and new charitable partners. 

Fleet Feet’s sales have seen their strongest months in the company’s 45-year history — March, 2021 was the company's all-time highest sales month with system-wide sales up 24 percent compared to its previous highest sales month in June 2020. This strong performance trend continued in April and May, as the combined brick-and-mortar sales were up 34 percent and digital sales were up more than 300 percent compared to April and May, 2019.

“Sally and Elizabeth truly changed everything about what running could do for a community when they opened the doors of the first store,” says Joey Pointer, CEO and president of Fleet Feet. “We have the privilege of continuing their legacy every day by showing our communities how ‘Running Changes Everything.’ Our Heritage Collection is a perfect reflection of where we came from and where we’re going, to celebrate the brand we’ve built today around our core value to Run Together.”

For more on the Heritage Collection: https://www.fleetfeet.com/heritage-collection