We will create a place where runners can connect with each other.
What was behind the creation of “ALPEN RUN,” which advocates a "run community brand"?
Kunimatsu Koushou
He joined Alpen as a new graduate in 2019. As a running advisor, he was involved in the launch of <ALPEN He was involved in the launch of as a running advisor. She has been running track and field since elementary school, and her best score in a full marathon is 2:34:56. When consulted about running problems, she is always ready to give accurate advice.
Kunimatsu: The goal is to form a community with runners and foster a running culture in Japan. As a base for this, there is the "ALPEN RUN MEIJI PARK," which functions as a hub to create opportunities for interaction through activities such as trying on new running shoes and holding run events.
Is it more like a cultural center than a store?
Kunimatsu: That's right. In recent years, Alpen Group has been actively sponsoring full marathon events, and has been focusing on running in general. In recent years, we have been actively sponsoring full marathon events and have been paying attention to running in general.
This T-shirt is a collaboration between "ALPEN RUN" and "Mountain Martial Arts. Other selections such as "Eldresso," "Ryogen," and "Normal" are also appealing to the genteel crowd.
The number of runners has been increasing tremendously, hasn't it?
Kunimatsu: We also have many runners visiting Alpen Group stores. There, we can give information directly to them, announcing events and competitions. By doing so, we can make running more accessible and encourage people to take action naturally. I think this is a good thing not only for our customers, but also for various sports brands and competitions.
ALPEN RUN MEIJI PARK" is a base that concentrates a series of such activities, isn't it?
Event announced at the store. For more information.Official Instagram accountBut it can also be checked.
Kunimatsu: One of the features of the store is its regular run events. Since we will operate as a community brand, we will not only operate the store, but also create a place where runners can connect with each other based here through run events. We hope to create an opportunity for people to start running by continuing to hold events in which not only those who are already running but also those who want to start running can easily participate.
We have a good selection of products, but we do not target only advanced runners. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone from beginners to serious runners can come here to meet and discover new things, making it easier to continue running.
MyFootcraft" is equipped with a "MyFootcraft" system that precisely measures up to 13 foot shapes, including arch height and alignment, and "Footcraft CUSTOM" to customize insoles according to the shape of the foot.
How often do you hold events?
Kunimatsu: We expect to have roughly 6 times a week, or about 300 times a year. Each one has its own concept or theme. For example, today (the interview took place on April 26) is "Yoifuro (good bath) day," so after running, we are planning to have people relax and get in shape at the "TOTOPA" sauna facility in MEIJI PARK, we are planning to have visitors take a relaxing bath at TOTOPA, a sauna facility located inside MEIJI PARK.
We also plan to hold other events such as events for beginners and long distance events for serious runners, fun runs around Shibuya's photo spots, form diagnosis sessions, and supplement tasting events.
It would be great if I could take a sauna right after running.
Kunimatsu: TOTOPA at Meiji Park is originally a sauna facility that also functions as a running station, but it is not yet well known as a running location. Therefore, through our events, we would like people to experience a series of recovery steps after a run. We plan to hold bathing events on a regular basis in the future.
I understand that you also offer a "try on" service, where you can actually try on the shoes and test run them.
Kunimatsu: Since there are many aspects that cannot be understood only by trying on the shoes in the store, we allow customers to actually run 2 to 3 km to try them on. After making your selection here, you can then run in Meiji Park.
Is the lineup up up to date?
Kunimatsu: Six to eight models are available at any given time, with the hottest models of the moment being replaced as needed.
It's only been a short time since the restaurant opened. How has the customer response been?
Kunimatsu: Many people come to try on shoes. There is a wide range of levels of participants, from elite runners to beginners. Many of them have come to realize that they can use the shoes in this way, and they are quickly realizing the significance of the installation of the shoes.
Kunimatsu: At the event, in addition to saying that the event was fulfilling, many people also said that they gained knowledge that they could apply to their practice. Since our staff members have running experience, I think it is easy for them to exchange various ideas. Of course, there were also scenes where customers who belonged to different communities reunited here for the first time in a long time. We would like to increase the number of such occasions.
So it is already having an effect.
Kunimatsu: Nevertheless, our main goal is to increase the number of runners running at this location. Since we do not yet have sufficient recognition, we would like to establish it as a "place to run. We want to make it a place where people can stop by casually, not only for shopping, but also to "come here to talk with the staff.
