Wagner’s Runwalk Moves To Downtown Tuscaloosa
Wagner’s RunWalk, formerly located in Midtown Village, has opened the doors in its new spot at 420 Queen City Ave. in downtown Tuscaloosa. The new location opened just in time for Tuscaloosa's Half Marathon, which took place on March 27.
Wagner's Director of Retail, Kendall Thompson spoke with the Tuscaloosa Thread in January about her excitement and expectations of the shoe store's big move.
"We're excited about moving to the downtown area partially because it takes us back to our beginnings," Thompson said. "The first Wagner's shoes location opened downtown in 1953, just three blocks from our new location."
According to Thompson, the primary reason for the move downtown is because that area is better suited for walkers and runners than Midtown Village, McFarland Boulevard and 15th Street.
Prior to the opening of Wagner's RunWalk at 420 Queen City Ave on March 26, Matt Wagner, a fourth-generation owner of Wagner's, said that he believed the upcoming move to downtown Tuscaloosa would generate much success.
"We are extremely proud to move into our larger and modern building in the very near future. It brings us back to the store’s origin in a downtown location, and provides a better environment for our customers and employees," Wagner said. “The new space will allow us to continue to deliver quality customer service and provide cutting edge products--something Wagner’s RunWalk prides itself on."
Wagner’s RunWalk has been located in Midtown Village for the past 14 years. It is also Tuscaloosa's only specialty running store serving most of West Alabama and East Mississippi.
According to Thompson, the new storefront adds better parking options for shoppers as well as more scenic and safe routes for store runs. The downtown location also provides an opportunity for college students to have closer access to the store.
“Running is what we do and who we are. We look forward to hosting group runs now with many more enjoyable route opportunities in the area, like Riverwalk and Campus,” Thompson said. “And now being so close to campus, we hope to expand our group of runners and engage with students in ways that we haven’t before.”
Follow the Wagner's RunWalk Facebook page for more information.
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