Online sales and HSBC backing fuel Run4it growth plan

Scotland’s largest independent running retailer, Run4It, is investing in an HSBC-backed programme of improvements as part of a wider growth plan that includes expanding its high street presence.

Having recently purchased and fitted out two new stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Run4It is using further HSBC funding to invest in a new online sales platform as annual revenue from internet transactions approaches £1 million.

Online orders are its fastest-growing income stream as it successfully balances high street retail with online fulfilment.

Headquartered in Aberdeen, Run4It now has eight stores across Scotland and has also set its sights on expanding its high street footprint into Northern England.

On top of Run4It’s expansion plans, it has won both ‘Best Independent Retailer’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ for the second year in a row at The Running Awards.

Ian White, director at Run4It, said: “While exemplary customer service is at the heart of our business, behind the scenes it is critical to be able to invest in the right infrastructure to deliver for customers. The key to retail success is to be able to balance a high street presence with a website that is easy to use and this funding has enabled us to invest in both.

“We are keen to expand our footprint farther afield but we need a website fit for purpose and knowledgeable staff to manage this. HSBC provided the business with both the strategic support and the finance to put this plan in place.”

Run4It switched full banking facilities to HSBC in April this year, when over £250,000 was allocated from the bank’s national £10 billion SME fund to actively support UK SMEs. £450 million is specifically designated to support Scottish firms and rebalance the economy outside of London.

Tim Laundon, relationship manager at HSBC, said: “High street retail is a very tough sector and Run4It has done superbly well to balance those challenges with strong online sales. As it looks to expand both its physical and online footprint, we will support the business’s evolving needs in what are very exciting times for Run4It.”