Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of run specialty stores, is opening a new location in Long Beach, Calif., this September, bringing expert outfitting, innovative fit technology, and community-centric programming to the city’s residents. Located at 4101 McGowen St., Suite 145 in the LBX Shopping Center, the store will be owned and operated by Guy and Maria Herr.
Long Beach is a vibrant, fitness-focused city with more than 60 annual running races. With a thriving network of run clubs and proximity to neighboring communities like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Torrance, the Long Beach market offers a strong foundation for Fleet Feet’s signature mix of gear, training and community engagement.
About the Owners
Guy Herr, a lifelong runner who first laced up his shoes in 1980, brings more than three decades of retail leadership to Fleet Feet Long Beach. A San Diego native now living in Laguna Niguel, Herr’s career in retail began in 1987, with his first store manager role in 1997.
“I remember visiting Fleet Feet as a teenager in the mid-’80s, when my friends and I would dream about one day affording our own running shoes, and maybe even running in the Olympics,” said Herr. “Opening this store is about creating that same sense of inspiration for others. Whether it’s someone training for their first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, I want Fleet Feet Long Beach to be a place where goals take shape and community thrives.”
Maria, his wife, will support store operations. Together, the Herrs see Fleet Feet as a hub for movement and motivation across Long Beach that will offer structured training programs and inclusive run clubs.
Grand Opening Celebration
To celebrate the opening, Fleet Feet Long Beach will host a grand opening in mid-October with support from brand partners, featuring exclusive giveaways, in-store events, and opportunities to connect with the local running community.
Key highlights include:
- Vendor-supported product demos and giveaways
- Exclusive in-store promotions
- Community group runs and meet-ups
Product Offerings and Community Engagement
The store will carry footwear from leading brands including HOKA, ASICS, New Balance, On, Brooks, Altra, apparel from Rabbit, and accessories from Goodr, Superfeet, and Coros. Customers can also experience Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, which uses 3D foot scanning, dynamic pressure mapping, and ME3D custom insoles to deliver personalized fit solutions.
Fleet Feet Long Beach will launch weekly group runs and seasonal coached marathon training programs, designed to welcome all levels of runners and walkers. By fostering connection through movement, the Herrs aim to strengthen Long Beach’s already active fitness community.
Fleet Feet’s Legacy
“Guy and Maria have a talent for bringing people together,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “Guy’s lifelong passion for the sport and decades of retail experience make him an ideal steward of our brand in Long Beach. The area has a thriving running community, and there’s tremendous potential for them to grow their store alongside it. They understand that running is about connection, encouragement, and celebrating progress and are creating a space where everyone can feel supported, and part of something bigger.”
For nearly five decades, Fleet Feet has empowered runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all levels with the gear, support, and community they need to move with confidence. This legacy underscores the brand’s long-standing role in supporting health and wellness across the U.S.
About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 280 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 Fleet Feet.
