Running man scores again

BRADENTON — On a Shoestring, an independently owned boutique-style athletic footwear store, was named one of the 50 best running stores in the country by Running Insight and Competitor Magazine.

The pair of trade and consumer publications announced the recognition at a gala awards ceremony in Austin, Texas, Dec. 5, according to a release. The store, on Cortez Road in Bradenton, was one of four in Florida named to the top 50, and the only one on the Gulf Coast. It's the fourth time the store, owned by Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Litschauer, has been recognized in the top 50. It also made the list in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

“Specialty retailers are the heart and soul of the running business, and it was a pleasure and privilege to recognize these stores for their excellence in customer service and community support,” Running Insight Editor Mark Sullivan says in the release. “The 50 Best Running Stores in America represent the best that the running business has to offer in terms of customer satisfaction and superior retailing.”

The top 50 is compiled based on several metrics, including customer service, product knowledge, merchandising and community service. For more on Litschauer's strategy to compete with larger retailers, click here.