Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of run specialty stores, is opening a new store in Somerville, N.J., on Monday, August 4. Located at 76 W. Main Street, the Somerville location marks the fifth Fleet Feet in Northern New Jersey overseen by operating partner Teresa Councilor.
According to Running USA, race participation is on the rise nationwide. With a steadily growing population, Somerset County presents a strategic opportunity for specialty run retailers like Fleet Feet to meet increasing demand.
About Fleet Feet Operator Teresa Councilor
Councilor, who currently oversees four Fleet Feet locations in Westfield, Summit, Morristown, and Ridgewood, brings nearly three years of experienced leadership to the Northern New Jersey market. Under her guidance, the region has seen steady growth with a 10% year-over-year increase in sales, and consistently high engagement in community training programs. Councilor’s leadership is a key driver of Fleet Feet’s regional success, combining retail expertise with deep local engagement.
“Somerville has a thriving running community that we’re excited to support and grow,” said Councilor. “Fleet Feet is about more than selling shoes. It’s about showing up for the people who show up for themselves. We want to be a place where movement is celebrated, goals are supported, and everyone feels like part of the family.”
Councilor’s journey with Fleet Feet began during her early days as a high school track athlete, when she first worked in specialty running retail. She has grown alongside the brand, rising from an outfitter to a manager for six locations, and then to a regional operator for four locations. Most recently, she successfully led the transition of four JackRabbit stores to Fleet Feet. Her two young boys also enjoy helping at events and being part of the Fleet Feet family.
Grand Opening Celebration
Fleet Feet Somerville will host an official grand opening celebration in early September with support from ASICS, designed to engage local customers, build early loyalty, and highlight Fleet Feet’s brand partnerships.
Key event highlights include:
- Exclusive giveaways for the first 100 shoppers who spend $150 or more
- Live heat-pressing of shirts
- Branded apparel, food, and drink
- Bonus logo patch for ASICS purchases
Product Selection and Fit Technology
The store will carry a curated selection of footwear from leading brands including Altra, ASICS, Brooks, Hylo, HOKA, New Balance, Oofos, ON and Saucony, and apparel from Adidas, Lululemon, Nike and Vuori, providing customers with access to high-performance gear across a range of running, walking, and fitness styles.
As with all Fleet Feet locations, Somerville customers can be outfitted using the brand’s signature fit id® experience, which incorporates 3D foot scanning, dynamic pressure mapping, and ME3D custom insoles to deliver personalized fit solutions.
Community Engagement and Nonprofit Partnerships
Although official training programs will launch later this year, the store is already planning community events and exploring ways to support local nonprofits. Fleet Feet’s community-first approach includes collaboration with grassroots organizations to promote movement and wellness. Councilor and her team are actively involved with organizations such as Girls on the Run North and East, Market Street Mission, Greta’s Run, and Achilles International New Jersey Chapter.
“Teresa’s passion for running and community is contagious,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “She leads with heart and creates spaces where people feel welcome and supported. Fleet Feet Northern New Jersey was recognized as one of the top running stores in the nation in 2024, and we’re excited to see her bring that same energy to Somerville.”
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.
