QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Aug. 22, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, announces the opening of its newest location in Queen Creek, Ariz. The new store is the first location for owners and operators Tom and Nikki DeBole and is located an hour southeast of Phoenix at 20062 South Ellsworth Road, Suite 107, Queen Creek, Ariz. 85142.
Queen Creek is one of the fastest-growing towns in the U.S. Both avid runners, the DeBoles are local to the area and have a background in entrepreneurship. The couple was introduced to Fleet Feet when Nikki DeBole gave her husband a Fleet Feet gift card for Christmas in 2018. After his experience visiting the store and speaking with staff, Tom DeBole knew he wanted to be part of the Fleet Feet community.
“We believe Fleet Feet brings people together,” said Tom DeBole. “Building relationships and being active participants in the communities where we live has been a major reason for our success in previous endeavors. We’re excited to apply that same philosophy to this new journey with Fleet Feet.”
Complementing the new Fleet Feet venture, Tom DeBole owns a national lacrosse tournament business and has a background in triathlon. Nikki DeBole, who grew up in the area, is also a small business owner and has considerable retail experience. The couple, who have five boys, are committed to helping others lead an active lifestyle.
“Tom and Nikki are embedded in the Queen Creek community and have extensive experience fostering inclusive environments by inspiring others with their can-do attitudes,” said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “Tom’s track record of creating rewarding opportunities for those around him paired with Nikki’s comprehensive local knowledge makes them the perfect team to expand our brand presence in Arizona.”
The new Fleet Feet location will offer a diverse selection of premium footwear and curated apparel from leading brands such as lululemon, Brooks and rabbit, as well as training plans for various race distances.
Fleet Feet Queen Creek will operate with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach ensures proper fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.
For more than 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.
Images of the Fleet Feet Queen Creek are available here.
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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., 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 Inc.’s Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
