Gainesville Running & Walking

I feel badly that I neglected to update this review for so long: Gainesville Running & Walking moved to Archer Road and has a larger store space now, so that solved some of the issues I raised in my 2011 review of the old store. The new one is not huge, but is still larger. The staff is pretty much up on the world of running and very friendly and helpful. And I’m in the midst of my own training as a track & field coach, so believe me I asked some difficult questions to them. The selection of products still could be better though: not much in the way of clothing for men and a decent but not vast selection of shoes. Neither Gainesville Running & Walking nor Fit-​2-​Run in the mall have a very good track/​XC spike selection: basically they both have Nike Rivals and a couple other brands’ models. Now, why it is important to have a better selection is spikes are the last thing you want to buy online, you really need to try them on unless ordering exactly the same pair as before.
Since they do carry Nike, they have the coveted Nike Running catalog and can order things they don’t have in store, which is awesome. If you ask, they will even let you consult that catalog, which would be wise if you’re planning on, say, track spikes for next spring because the winter catalog will contain some not online at Nike yet probably.
Overall, it’s a good store and good people. I’d give them five stars except for the lack of selection: they really need to get in more men’s running shorts at least. However, I’m very picky and probably would only be content at a Niketown, honestly, as far as selection goes (I’m the type of guy who has emailed Nike about products I know to exist and can’t find on their own website, in example). For most customers, look: you have here staff who know running and can recommend a good shoe for your needs and that’s a huge plus in itself.

I can’t say enough good things about my experiences at GR&W! The staff is VERY knowledgeable. I have bought 3 prs of shoes there over the past years and every time they hit the nail on the head. It is VERY rare that you find ANY retail store with salespeople that actually have comprehensive knowledge of the product they sell. Here is the mark of a GREAT customer service experience: I don’t know how their prices compare, and I don’t care!
Great shop, always had what I needed.