Face to Face: Anders Brooker and the Runner’s Edge

When the Runner's Edge opened its doors to the phased reopening in Missoula, it allowed two customers at a time and only by appointment. The downtown business is one of many adjusting to the new normal.

Anders Brooker, who works at the popular retail store, said the last few weeks have been hard on local businesses, which were forced to close their doors to slow the spread of coronavirus.

But along the way, many found new ways to conduct business, from free shipping to curb-side pickup.

“We tried to give people as many options as possible to get the stuff they needed,” said Brooker “In a business like ours, it's pretty hands on with a lot of one-on-one interaction in that customer experience. We didn't have the usual amount of business, but we appreciate those customers that went out of their way to support us over that time.”

The shop closed its doors on March 28 and reopened on May 1 in a phased reopening. For the first 10 days of May, Brooker said, the store will conduct business by appointment only, allowing just two customers in the store at a time.

“We'll all come out of this with a different outlet on what day-to-day business looks like,” said Brooker. “We're going to continue to offer curbside and in-town delivery after the pandemic is over. Finding new ways to be a better businesses will be important.”

Brooker said most of the spring and summer running events have either been canceled or postponed.

But as life continues to evolve, so too will seasonal events sponsors by Runner's Edge.

“We put on a lot events in the spring, and we've postponed or canceled all of those up through July,” said Brooker. “Our next event scheduled is August 1 at Snowbowl. We'll address that in the next month or so as we get through May. As things get back to whatever normal is going to be, it could be a very busy fall for everybody.”