Running Room Canada

I was a semi-​regular customer at the Running Room location on Spring Garden for a few years. I probably bought running sneakers there three times and perhaps a few items of clothing. I had mixed experiences with service, which seemed very much dependent on the personality of the staff, not on training. On a couple of visits I went in and felt as though I was interrupting a social gathering by asking for help. I continued to shop there because I don’t buy running gear very often and because their prices seem fair and they carry the brands that I like. After a terrible experience last year, however, I vowed never to return. Here is what went down:
My sister gave me two Running Room shirts for Christmas. She checked with the store to make sure they were exchangeable if they weren’t right. They didn’t quite fit so I visited the store to replace both shirts with other items. I picked an entirely new shirt (same price as one of the gifts) and, with the help of an employee, I replaced the second shirt with the identical item in a smaller size. When I went to pay I was told that they identical shirt (same colour, design, material, same everything) was priced differently than the one my sister had bought. She had bought it on sale and this one was not marked down and hence ten dollars more. The clerk who was helping me, who was actually the store manager, wouldn’t honour the price my sister had paid. He didn’t provide a proper explanation and misinformed me at different points in our interaction.
I ended up writing a detailed letter of complaint to the customer relations office. I expected (I didn’t hope… I expected) that they would honour the original price and refund me the ten dollars I was overcharged or send me a discount coupon. They wrote back after checking with the manager’s version of events and barely managed an apology.
I am a pretty easy-​going and easy-​to-​please shopper. This was probably the single worst retail experience I have had. I have decided never to visit the Running Room again.

I had walked past this store a hundred times I’m sure, and never ventured in up until this past May.
I decided to register for one of their clinics and was pleasantly surprised at how much of a «family» atmosphere this place is! Aside from the many clinics they offer, there is also group runs open to the general public — even if you are not even from around here. on Wed & Sundays. What a great way to get out and great active or what?!
The associates in the store are all very knowledgeable about running shoes, and all the gear they offer. They’ve even got a frequent buyer reward program.
Bruce the store owner is very friendly and actually quite witty!
The Running room is a great place for anyone, walkers, runners & racers!

When you roll over the stars to give a review the two star caption says «Meh. I’ve experienced better».
Yhea, that about sums up my multiple experiences with The Running Room. I mean I want to like them because it seems everyone likes them but then I realize it’s only because they don’t have any opponent to help them raise the bar on serving the running community.
Seriously I’ve given them a few chances.
And each time the pit in my stomach tells me that I don’t like them very much. I hate to write «bad» reviews but I guess that’s the point of Unilocal.The good. The bad. The meh.
Here’s what I don’t like about RR.
* Cookie cutter running philosophy. I can spot a RR patron either by that god awful water belt on a 5k, the boring running jacket or the sudden stop and walk for 60 seconds before running again for 10 minutes.
* Prices are over inflated. When you’re practically the only running store option in all of Nova Scotia you can pretty much name your price. Most people don’t realize you can go down the street to the MEC and find the exact same thing at a considerable price difference.
* The customer service is lacking. If I ask too many questions about a particular shoe brand you can see the eyes of the person helping me, glaze over. I’m not going to just let you shove a pair of shoes in my face and with a nod run off and buy them. I spend upwards to 30 miles a week in running shoes. I don’t want the first thing I see. I want to ask questions, I want to know what they think (right because they are supposed to be the experts)…
* Runners are individuals. I understand the concept of training the beginner but not everyone wants to run the way the guys at the Running room think you should run. We don’t need the fancy jackets or the multiple bottle holding water belt. I see so many people around here running exactly the same way after participating in a running room clinic and it kind of saddens me.
I want to like them. I really do but after finding another place to get exactly what I would buy from RR at a much better price I have to just leave the Meh rating and move on…

I’ve wanted to be a runner for years, but on my own, I’ve never actualized my running goals. And, what’s worse, is that I’ve avoided joining a running room clinic for three years due to sheer fear. Well, fear be damned! I’ve finally realized that The Running Room is awesome.
The clinics are fantastic. If you are not a runner, you can easily become one because the clinics are designed to take the most sedentary people and get them off their bums and onto the road. There are clinics for every type of goal and even if you are already a runner, the running club group runs are great because it’s weirdly easier to run with people than on your own.
The staff at the Running Room are very knowledgeable and helpful. I’ve realized through the clinic lessons that there are some seriously right and wrong ways to wear/​tie runners, pick running bras, and outfit yourself for the elements, all things that the staff can help you out with. The selection of great is great — tons of choice. So, if you’re interested in learning more about running, this is definitely the place. If you’re still on the fence, go in and start asking questions — it’s the best way to learn more and test out what could be a new and fun hobby!

I’ll start by saying I’m not a runner, I don’t want to be a runner, and I will never be a runner. Any activity meant to get you in better shape that involves the constant jiggling of all areas you hope the activity will eventually keep from jiggling just doesn’t jive with me. I’ll follow that by saying, yes — I know — this is a store for runners… not for people like me.
I went in looking for a very specific product and brand after being directed to this store to find it. There were two staff members working — one showing a customer how to properly stretch, the other chatting about running with another customer seated in the shoe section. While I found what I was looking for, I really could have used some confirmation on what was available, or even a greeting to know that someone could be available. Instead I sort of felt like I was intruding on more important conversations.
Understanding that it makes sense to build relationships with engaged customers rather than invest heavily in those who are looking for a quick in-​and-​out, I get why they did what they did. But unlike the other two customers in the store that night, I won’t be one of the folks singing their praises.

Man, people love running. I mean, I’ve done my fair share with even a half marathon in the mix, but sometimes still feel surprised by the insanely dynamic, diverse and dedicated running culture that exists not only worldwide, but locally.
Runners in Halifax are the real deal. The weather is great for ¹⁄₈^th of the time, and when it’s bad, it’s bad. Rain, sleet, snow, freezing temperature and all — but somehow I still see die hard runners out in these conditions, bundled and strong, prepared for anything that may come their way.
The Running Room on Spring Garden is a superior resource for local runners, hosting training sessions, group runs and a plethora of other grand events. I went in yesterday to suss out the scene and upon entry spotted an events calendar, proclaiming all of the upcoming functions.
Not only do they offer garb for days, they also carry snacks, energy packed consumables, and anyth

I have to give credit to the Running Room. Here not matter what level you are at in your quest for fitness, they have the gear to help you.
They are especially good if you need extra support in your shoes. They will help you pick the proper footing. It can be overwhelming to shop in these stores. Sometimes I feel they speak another language, with all the
technical names they have for shoes and the clothing you can buy.
Keep in mind, this is not your cheap store, so be prepared to pay a little extra. The way to look at this, is you will get something that will last and actually fit’s properly.

Centrally located on Spring Garden Road, The Running Room is the place to go when you need a new pair of sneaks.
The Running Room’s staff members are available for theorizing about proper shoes. They will assess your gait, determine whether you pronate, listen to your concerns and then suggest a couple of pairs that will serve your purpose. They are very open to suggestions and are experts in running (and walking!) and the various needs associated with it.
The front of the store offers running/​walking gear: pants, shirts, camelbacks, hats, socks — the Running Room can suit you up for any requirement. I’ve even seen jogging strollers in the front window — trust me, when you need one they can be hard to find.
The store also runs clinics, from learn-​to-​run courses to running groups. They sponsor several races a year and always provide a prep course in advance of the big day.
If you’re like me, sneakers just aren’t your forte. That’s why it’s important to go to a knowledgeable provider like the Running Room. I’ve bought my last two pairs of sneakers from them, and anticipate returning for another pair this year. Expect to pay for what you get, though: the Running Room’s prices reflect the quality of the product they provide.

I have had okay experiences with the Running Room. Many of my friends go to the Running Room to shop and to join in on the group runs on a consistent basis. So I love what the Running Room can offer. In fact I personally believe if you are a sports oriented store, you should have some sort of class or group get-​together to talk about fitness or do it or both. And the Running Room achieves that so I am very much a fan there.
I personally cannot speak about the organized group runs or training the Running Room has. However I would say all of my friends that attend the Running Room runs have had nothing but great things to say about it. Sure there is the odd instructor who could know a bit more about running or learn how to motivate the students better. But to my knowledge, Running Room is the only store that actually does what it does, so I give it credit for that at least.
I have been a customer several times at the running room and was never quite satisfied. Their sneaker selection is not any bit better than any other sports store. However, being a store dedicated to the sport of running, their staff are supposed to be very trained and knowledgeable about what shoes would fit you the best. And this is why this store only gets three stars. I have purchased two pairs from them in the past five years and each time, the staff simply go through the same «shoe test» that any other store would do. I stand up, they ask me how it feels when I walk, jump up and down etc… But they could always tell that I was never 100% satisfied. I explained to them that in the mornings it takes me a while to get my ankle’s loose and that I sort of walk on the outside part of my feet in the morning, but they brushed that off and said I would get used to my shoes.
At the end of the day, I never got used to my shoes. And it wasn’t until I talked to a friend of mine who asked me if I had Supination or Overpronation. I told him I’m human and from planet Earth. He then went on to explain that if I walked in a Supination (Insufficient roll inward of the foot), then I would need a special shoe, and no average shoe would work. Call me picky, but I think this should have been one of the questions they should have asked me since it took my friend two seconds to properly diagnose me after I explained to him how I walked in the same way I explained to the staff at the Running Room.
So I have personally spent far too much money with little positive result at this store. However, now that I know I must treat it like a regular sports store and not assume they know more than the average staff at a sports store, I’ll give it another shot. After all, they have a great selection of running gear, they support local races and have group get-​togethers. They definitely deserve three solid stars.