Runnings, a Minnesota–based retailer, set to expand into upstate New York

ROME, N.Y. — Runnings, a Marshall, Minn.–based, family-owned retailer of general merchandise, today announced plans to expand into upstate New York this fall.

The new stores will open this September in Rome, Gloversville, and Canandaigua, representing the first “major regional expansion” in Runnings’ 67-year history, the company said in a news release.

Each of the locations plans to hire “roughly 80 new workers” in each community, the company said.

Runnings purchased existing, vacant retail space in each community and will use local contractors to develop the new stores, the company said.  The three new locations will use a total of 300,000 square feet of retail space to serve the needs of thousands of new customers annually, it added. 

Runnings markets itself as “Your Home, Farm, and Outdoor Store.”

The company offers more than 100,000 items including sporting goods, clothing, footwear, pet supplies, house wares, tools, farm supplies, lawn and garden supplies, toys, and outdoor equipment. 

In addition, Runnings also offers a large inventory of hunting, fishing, and archery equipment and accessories, along with guns, the retailer said.

The firm explored several places to introduce Runnings to a new region, and found upstate New York has “tremendous communities” for its “unique retail development and friendly, hometown service,” Dan Herrmann, COO of Runnings, said in the news release.   

“We don’t just open stores, we want to be a part of the community, creating jobs, increasing the tax base and providing top quality brands with great products [that] families use every day,” said Herrmann.

Founded in 1947, Runnings is a private company that the Dennis and Adele Reed family owns. The retailer currently operates 34 stores and employs more than 1,500 workers across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, according to its news release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com