Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running stores, has named Stacey Donley as vice president of merchandising strategy and planning, and Jason Williams vice president of store development and real estate.
In her role, Donley will lead Fleet Feet’s merchandising, buying functions, and retail inventory management across Fleet Feet’s company-owned stores and eCommerce. Additionally, she will oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring every product decision supports Fleet Feet’s customer experience, operational efficiency and financial performance. Prior to joining Fleet Feet, Donley led buying for Kontoor Brands, specifically all U.S. brick and mortar Lee/Wrangler stores, and spent more than a decade in merchandising leadership roles at Macy’s. She will report to Fleet Feet COO Jason Jabaut.
“Stacey’s leadership reflects the same customer focus that defines our brand,” said Jabaut. “Her ability to connect product decisions to what truly matters to runners – the right gear, at the right time, for the right experience – will strengthen how we serve our communities across every channel.”
Williams will oversee all aspects of Fleet Feet’s real estate strategy, including new store development, site selection, construction and portfolio management. Williams brings more than a decade of leadership experience in retail real estate, most recently serving as senior director of real estate at The Orvis Company, where he led nationwide initiatives encompassing site selection, portfolio management, construction and lease negotiations. Williams will report directly to Joey Pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet.
“Jason’s expertise in retail real estate and his thoughtful, community-first approach make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said Pointer. “As we expand our national footprint, his ability to balance data-driven decision-making with an understanding of local markets will be key to our continued success.”
The addition of Donley and Williams underscores Fleet Feet’s ongoing investment in leadership talent to support continued growth and strengthen its position as the leader in specialty running retail.
Fleet Feet’s growth rapidly accelerated with the acquisitions of JackRabbit in December 2021 and Marathon Sports in July 2022. JackRabbit stores have folded into the Fleet Feet brand while Marathon Sports remains an independently operated subsidiary. This year, Fleet Feet has opened 14 new stores, including 13 franchise locations. Together, Fleet Feet and Marathon Sports serve more than five million customers across more than 300 locally owned and operated stores.
About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards.
Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at fleetfeet.com.
