Runners and athletes may feel like kids in a candy store following Tuesday’s grand opening of Fit2Run at Westfield Century City. A friendly and knowledgeable father-son duo – Bill Robinson and Parks Robinson, respectively – serve as the store owners.
Fit2Run holds a commendable reputation in the realm of runners: the superstore was recently recognized as one of the 50 best running stores in America by Running Insight and Competitor magazines, and was voted “Best Running Shop” in the southeast region of the United States by Competitor as well.
It is safe to say that this family-owned company is a reliable source for top-quality running apparel, equipment, and other athletic supplies.
The concept of Fit2Run was inspired by the athletic background of the Robinson family.
Bill’s father was the first to venture into the sporting business in the 1960s.
The debut of Fit2Run in 2006 was the result of Bill’s history and Parks’ interest in running, as well as Parks’ previous aspirations to be a professional baseball player.
Though an arm injury hindered the possibility of baseball, it instead opened the doors to an impressive business-related endeavor.
When Parks expressed his interest in retail, Bill told his son to “learn the ropes at Nordstrom,” which he considers the leading example as far as sales and services go. After Parks rose in the company as a top salesperson, the concept of Fit2Run became more tangible.
The central focus on running can be traced back to a sort of genetic passion. Not only was Bill a runner himself, but the sport also grew to be a family affair.
“Running is in our blood,” Bill said. “We would run races as families. Parks was always the fastest starter.”
What started as a healthy hobby has now manifested into a company with a mission of empowering athletes of all fitness levels to embrace more active lifestyles.
The store carries a wide spectrum of walking/running footwear, running apparel, and accessories.
“We are like a candy store for runners,” Parks said. “If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere: we carry everything from socks to watches to nutrition products.”
The store offers the most advanced technological tools, including complimentary videotaped Gait Analysis, which determines the most appropriate shoe type for specific foot types and running/walking styles.
Fit2Run also hosts events and activities like Fun2Runs and game nights. Eventually, the store will be hosting weekly runs, which will aid 5K runners and half-marathon trainers alike.
With its 11 branches currently all located in Florida, the Century City location is the first Fit2Run in California.
Though the Robinsons themselves will be returning to Florida within a few weeks, they leave behind a trained staff ready to help athletes of all walks.
“We chose Century City because we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to open a store in one of the best malls in the country,” Bill said. “We’re excited to take advantage of its location.”
The LA market, with a growing amount of interest in community runs and walks, was also cited as a leading motive in deciding on Century City.
Above all, family values remain at the core of the business.
“My favorite part about it all is being able to work with my son and having a family of employees,” Bill said.
The concept of family certainly does not limit itself to bloodline at Fit2Run, as Parks described his enjoyment in “watching employees grow into some of the best managers.”
This versatile, top-notch, and family-friendly runner’s store demands a visit, whether it is to enhance an athletic hobby or out of interest in starting a more active lifestyle.
Be sure to check out the newest addition to the Westfield Century City, which is located at 10230 Santa Monica Boulevard.
For more information, call 310.553.5040 or visit fit2run.com.
