Pacers Unveils KITTD, A Novel Retail Concept

Pacers Running has always been recognized as one of the more innovative retailers in run specialty and now they are proving it with the development of a novel store concept it is calling KITTD (pronounced kɪt.ɪd), described as “a first-of-its-kind community-focused pop-up created at the intersection of run crew culture, run specialty and everyday connection.”

Following its grand opening on Sept. 30 in the heart of Navy Yard at 300 Tingey St. in Washington, D.C., KITTD aims to equip local runners to go the distance — “Head to toe. Soul to sole. Inside and out in a world where running is a tool. Gear is a supply. Community is the build. KITTD is here to deliver everything you need to thrive and move in style.”

That’s quite an explanation of the concept, but it is not an overstatement. Built by District Running Collective and backed by Pacers Running, KITTD is also described as “a space for you and your crew to run out loud.”

“We wanted to create the kind of place our community longs for — somewhere you can walk in knowing nothing about running, lace up and leave more knowledgeable and connected to a whole crew,” explains Matt Green, co-founder and CEO of District Running Collective. “Running has always been about movement, but the impact happens in the community around it. KITTD is built to raise the visibility of that impact and bring it to life.”

“We are excited to explore this extension of run specialty where the retail model is built in collaboration with, not just service to, innovative and a deep-rooted community institution like District Running Collective,” adds Kathy Dalby, president and CEO of Pacers Running. “The goal is to create a hub for all in the local running community where runners, crews, coaches, creators and our neighbors come together and see themselves in the curation.”

Finally, according to the Pacers Running, KITTD is rooted in a simple idea: impact. KITTD is not about sales, it's about the power of community and what happens when one of D.C.’s largest run crews joins forces with a hometown run specialty brand with the shared goal of giving the people what they’ve been asking for. A functional space to connect, learn, achieve and grow through running.