To address a troubling trend he noticed while operating running retailer Blue Mile, Bob Kennedy launched Indianapolis-based eRun Solutions LLC to help the mom-and-pops of the running world go toe-to-toe with their larger retail rivals.
Bob Kennendy didn’t rule out the possibility of going head-to-head with Runners Forum and Blue Mile, the two dominant specialty running retail stores in this market.
Bob Kennedy has become a partner of the longtime northwest-side specialty running and walking retailer, while maintaining his ownership of a three-store chain in San Diego.
The Finish Line Inc.’s 48-store specialty running chain has been stuck in neutral and unable to grind out a profit since its inception three years ago. But the Indianapolis-based athletics retailer thinks its Running Specialty Group is poised at least to break even this year after reporting small losses every year since 2011.
BlueMile, a local six-store running specialty chain, has been acquired by a group that includes Indianapolis-based sports goliath The Finish Line Inc. The deal is expected to speed BlueMile’s expansion.
Indiana running icon Bob Kennedy believes Movin Shoes Inc. has great potential for growth. Its California location doesn't violate Kennedy's non-compete agreement with Indiana’s BlueMile chain.
Bob and Melina Kennedy have sold their assets in BlueMile, a chain of running and fitness stores they founded 12 years ago as The Running Co. Co-founders Ashley and Andrea Johnson are now sole owners.
The Running Co., now BlueMile, expands into Louisville, looks to add more stores in and outside Indiana
