The running season is on, and people are flocking to stores with a purpose of updating their running equipment. From shoes and socks to insoles and compression gear, Intersport facilitates customer needs seamlessly, as their industry flagship running department is filled to the brim with a wide range of top brands, and their staff are a crowd of enthused runners themselves.

“Our staff are well-trained running specialists, most of whom enjoy running on their free time themselves. We map out and evaluate customer needs to make sure we create the perfect fit for each one, regardless of whether they are an advanced runner or someone lacing up for the first time” explains Jonas Hirn from Intersport Jumbo.

Jonas, like many of his colleagues, is an active runner. With a broad background in sports like football and ice hockey, in more recent years, Jonas has picked up weightlifting and CrossFit, which have become a big part of his active life.

“Running has always been a part of my mix of hobbies, either as a supplementary form of training for another sport, or as a summer workout. It has always been my number one ‘secondary sport’,” Hirn says.

Intersport delivers ground-breaking customer service for those looking to buy running equipment. For example, the free in-store MyFootBalance® 3D foot scanning service is used to guide shoppers into footwear based on their foot type, unique dimensions, pain points, and other factors that affect the type of footwear that should be worn to reduce pain and maximize comfort.

“FootBalance can be found in every Intersport store in Finland, which is great because it helps us discover what the customer really needs. With the help of the analysis and the 3D scanner, we can find out what the exact measurements of a customer’s foot, what kind of support they need and if there are any specific pain areas that should be addressed when selecting running shoes,” Hirn says.

After identifying customer needs with the foot analysis, it is time to move on to choosing the right pair of shoes. Intersport’s range of footwear and running equipment is wide, so runners of all levels, have plenty to choose from. Equipment for year-round running is also available, important in climates like Finland, where the winters can be adverse for outdoor runners. Whilst the product range changes according to season, and different running shoes and clothes are available for a variety of terrains and weather conditions, some staples are available for purchase year-round. Hirn recommends investing in a good pair of shoes, because comfortable, well-fitting running footwear are the most important piece of gear for the sport.

“The right shoes are the number one priority for getting started with running. You might not want to spend too much money on shoes if it turns out that running is not for you, but I suggest you spend enough to get yourself a well-fitting pair that suits your running goals and needs,” Hirn explains.

For those runners who want to make progress and get better, Intersport wants to offer more than just good shoes.

“We offer advice for people on how to start running with new shoes, how to get into the sport safely, and how to practice for running events or specific distances. Because our staff are runners with extensive backgrounds, we are also able to give customers first-hand tips on what has worked for us,” Hirn says. “We always encourage people to ask our staff questions, because not only are we here to help, but we also have the competence and knowledge to do so.”

“When you are set with the right shoes and equipment for running, one thing to remember before starting is to take your time. As with any sport, if you remember to take it slow, build consistency and use equipment that suits your needs, you can create a lifelong hobby out of running” Hirn continues.

For Jonas, the best thing about running is the changing scenery, the variety of tracks, the fresh air, and the possibility of getting to know new people.

“Running makes me feel better. It keeps me in good shape and gives me a chance to find new friends at running events. At the same time, I get to enjoy the fresh air and the Finnish nature. Even running around the neighbourhood allows me to see new scenery, simply by slightly adjusting course to find new routes,” Jonas concludes.