Brooks Running CEO Jim Weber is concerned certain government policies could impact his brand and "derail the health and wellness of his constituents," but he is still "confident that the brand’s message will resonate with consumers and inspire people to run," according to a Q&A with Peter Verry of FOOTWEAR NEWS. Data from NPD Group shows Brooks Running was the "No. 1 brand domestically in specialty run stores" in '15 and '16. Brooks "claimed more than" 20% of that market. Now Brooks is preparing a "fresh marketing initiative" for the fall when the brand "unveils a new grassroots digital-based marketing campaign" launching June 7. Weber said Brooks was "one of a dozen brands" in running footwear, but also "saw an opportunity to lead." Now Weber said the company is "100 percent focused on run." Weber: "We’re small, we’re niche, we’re focused -- but frankly, that’s our advantage. We’re about $500 million in revenue right now." Weber said of the new digital campaign, "The consumer wants the convenience of shopping online, and that’s going to continue to grow. But the brick-and-mortar experience is always going to be important to us." Weber said Brooks "lost almost 900 stores to bankruptcy last year -- doors that [they] were selling through." Weber: "We were in over 400 Sports Authority doors. We lost Eastern Mountain Sports and Sport Chalet, too." He said the other challenge on their "radar right now" is the border adjustment tax proposal and its impact on prices in the athletic marketplace (FOOTWEARNEWS.com, 4/4).
