What is the RIA?
The Running Industry Association (RIA) is a non-profit organization that supports the brick and mortar running retail channel throughout the United States and Canada. Our members are independently owned stores (Retail Members), the brands that sell within the channel (Brand Members) and the companies that provide services and support to the channel (Associate Members). These companies all recognize the service level and influence that our member retailers present to their customers, and their support of the RIA demonstrates their commitment to these efforts.
Founded a decade ago as the Independent Running Retailers Association, the organization has undergone consistent growth and evolution, leading to the transition in 2015 to a 501c6 non-profit, and most recently, our members' decision to re-brand as the Running Industry Association. The name change reflects the understanding that for the independent running specialty channel to remain competitive, a new, inclusive culture must be fostered. With all stakeholders working collaboratively together, the channel can remain robust and meet the challenges of an increasingly complex market. As the RIA moves forward, our mission will remain focused on serving as the channel with resources and advocacy. In doing so, RIA will position itself as the progressive thought and business leader for the entire running industry.
The RIA Mission
The RIA’s sole purpose is to drive the running industry forward. We are passionate about supporting the running community and developing the businesses of our members. We succeed through collaboration, education, advocacy, innovation and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
We are laser-focused on member value. Our goal is to consistently deliver the resources our members need to maintain healthy, profitable businesses through financial benefits, education, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and peer support. We also recognize that a key facet to providing member value is to fully understand the environment in which our members compete. Putting this insight to work through innovative new tools, resources and initiatives will allow our members to remain vibrant within their local communities and the running industry as a whole.
