Rackets & Runners welcomes old and new friends to Community Appreciation Day to celebrate its 40th birthday

      (This article is sponsored by .)

      “Brick and mortar” small businesses have been under pressure in Vancouver. Shops have been shuttered with urban redevelopment and increased online purchasing, but some stores stay strong in a changing retail landscape.

      One of the city’s original sporting goods retailers, Rackets & Runners, has being doing business from the corner of Oak Street and West 23rd Avenue, since 1978, housed in the same, single-storey, strip mall. The building is, appropriately, constructed from brick and mortar.

      Rackets & Runners

      “Even before I became owner of Rackets & Runners the store has always been about service, and serving the community,” says owner Vanda Borean. “We take pride in what we do here, we want to help people fit their best pair of running shoes, or find the perfect racket for their game. We also want to support organizations and activities that get people moving. I am very sincere about this, and I think it is the trust of our customers, our community, that has kept us in business for so long.”

      Events are an important link to community. In the ’80s and ’90s the store was involved with events like the Vancouver International Marathon and Childrun; today it’s the Vancouver Sun Run and the Granville Island Turkey Trot. Kevin Christensen, the general manager, remarks, “When we opened it was two brothers, this location, and a great plan; 40 year later, it’s two sisters, this location, keeping the dream alive.”

      Rackets & Runners

      To celebrate their 40th year in business, Racket & Runners is hosting an in-store celebration that will spill into the parking lot, and everyone is welcome to attend on June 16th.  There will be added opportunities to meet the five-star RnR staff, and representatives from key brands like New Balance, Babolat, and Saucony, who will be on-hand to showcase their latest.

      Joggers can go for a training run with the store’s run club, the Oak Street Runners, play Prize-Pong with the folks from UBC Tennis, and get a free meal (with purchase) from the food truck parked out front.

      “This Saturday will be like a regular busy Summer Saturday at Rackets & Runners.” says Vanda, “Only with extra staff… and a dunk tank.”

      PRIZES

      • A pair of his or hers vintage Saucony Jazz running shoes
      • A Rackets & Runners Anniversary Shirt
      • A four-pack of Parallel 49 Limited Edition Unstrung/Unlaced Brew
      • A $140 Rackets & Runners gift card

      Prize value: $300

      This contest has ended.

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      Contest Deadline: Friday, July 6, 3:00 am
      Winner(s) will be contacted either by phone or email.

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