As local businesses in Michigan and across the U.S. continue to adjust and adapt to pandemic-related closures and pauses, and resulting in-store capacity restrictions, the holiday season marches on. Things just look decidedly different this year, to say the least, for shop owners and their customers. The great news: stores are getting very creative in how they’re connecting with their customers, and we shoppers are thankful for these efforts. (Still need a few gifts for the runners and active lifestyle friends and family in your life? We’ve got you covered with this episode.)
This special holiday episode is a live recording — with all safety precautions in place, of course, from social distancing to mask-wearing — at Running Fit in downtown Traverse City. Heather sat down with Running Fit managers Jennifer Teeples and Alison Goss Shaw and Jonny Tornga, assistant manager of downtown’s Lululemon pop-up shop, to talk about what it’s been like to operate a small business during COVID — including how stores have collaborated and helped one another out more than ever to get through these tough times.
“Pretty much anybody who is in the athletic industry down here is in touch with each other,” Alison says. “That’s always been the case for downtown, here in Traverse City, but it’s even more so now,” adds Jonny. “The lines of communication are really open … All of the stores are coming together and trying to come up with unique solutions to the challenges we’re all facing.”
Jonny, Jen, and Alison also let us know about the latest and greatest athletic clothing and gear options, especially for winter running and other outdoor exploring. You’ll definitely get some great ideas for those last-minute gifts on your list — for your best running friend, or for you. We also talk about ways we’re all staying motivated to keep moving forward, during the pandemic and no matter the weather. A common theme: having friends to help you along your journey.
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If you enjoy what you’re hearing on the Michigan Runner Girl show, we’d be so, so grateful if you’d take a few moments to write a review on iTunes. This will help more runners and Michigan lovers like yourself find the podcasts. Thank you!! Also, the quickest way to get the podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes or via Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. A special thanks to the talented Jonny Tornga for producing the show.