Bear Creek Running Co — Local services in Keller

I've been a loyal customer of Bear Creek Running Company (BCRC) for a while now, as I believe in supporting local businesses. There are many choices in the area, but I chose to give my hard-earned money to BCRC. I've always had positive experiences, feeling welcomed both when I arrive and when I leave; However, today’s visit was an exception.

I came in to purchase a pair (or two) of shoes, but was surprised not to receive any assistance or even a greeting. I ended up selecting a single pair of shoes from the discounted section on my own. When I approached the counter to pay, the employee stated “give me your phone number”, but there was no interaction beyond that. There was no small talk or attempt to engage. After stepping away briefly to compare prices, I returned to complete the purchase; there was no (zero) communication from employee – not even when it was time to pay...he simply rang up the shoes, printed the receipt, and literally pushed the box towards me with no acknowledgment or appreciation for my purchase. As a regular customer, I was expecting at least a simple thank you, especially after spending $150. This is a “front-facing” customer service role, where acknowledging customers is essential in business transactions – a key to building lasting relationships and encouraging future visits. This particular BCRC employee missed the mark here.

UPDATE As I mentioned in my earlier review, I have been a loyal customer of BCRC and wanted to return to give them another chance—this time leaving on a positive note, as I know this was likely a "one-off" experience.

My wife and I visited today to purchase athletic shoes, and the experience was outstanding—truly a complete turnaround from my previous visit.

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by several employees, including the owner, Mark. He is clearly a sincere, hardworking, and friendly guy who genuinely cares about his customers.

Mark personally assisted me, while another staff member assisted my wife, which allowed us both to receive individual attention and guidance on our selections.

Mark’s service was excellent. He took the time to answer my questions in detail, explaining the design, style, and features of each shoe I tried on. His knowledge, combined with his personable approach and engaging conversation, made the process both informative and enjoyable.

As a repeat customer, this is exactly the kind of experience that keeps my family and I coming back. Mark not only thanked us for our business, but also went above and beyond to ensure we both left completely satisfied. He truly exceeded our expectations.

Mark completely changed the former experience to a very positive one, which is the kind of service we are accustomed to. Based on this, I am updating my review of BCRC 5-stars.

Keep up the good work, Mark! Thank you for your desire to take care of your customers and provide...

I purchased my first pair of HoKA running shoes several years ago at Bear Creek Running Co. After reading a number of reviews about the HoKA Carbon X and Bondi X, I decided to add those to my Hoka Collection. While the feel of the X is a little different, I was advised to run in them and bring them back with the box if I was not happy. I was never really comfortable running in a shoe I might return so I only wore the Carbon X around the house and the Bondi X to the Keller Pointe ( 1 time.) I was advised the Carbon X would fit true to my other Hoka Shoes, but the Bondi X would run smaller and so I purchased a half size larger shoe than I normally buy. I returned to Bear Creek Running Co within the 30 day time frame to return the Carbon X for a different shoe and return the Bondi X for the smaller size. The gentleman I worked with was very knowledgeable about the shoe and was a great help in fitting me with a Speedgoat and the correct size Bondi X. When I went back to the counter I was informed the Bondi X had excessive damage and I would be charges 10%. I proceeded with the transaction, but after leaving the store called Hoka and was told to return the original Bondi X and they would send me a new pair, no questions ask. I returned to the store and returned the Bondi X I had just purchased and the Speedgoat I had just purchased out of frustration with the return policy. While waiting for the transaction to be completed, I observed another customer purchasing a pair of Hoa shoes and the young salesperson who finalized the transaction advised the customer to run in the shoes and if she was not completely happy return them with the receipt and original box and packaging for a refund or exchange. When I questioned the manager and ask the young man to repeat what he had told the customer, the manager quickly shut him down and advised him the return policy was in writing and only in like new condition. As a resident of Keller for 16 years and an advocate for shopping and buying local, this experience was not worth the time and effort. I will continue to buy HOKA products in the future, but online or with retailers who honor what they promote. Not the experience I expected based on the reviews I read, but the...

Amazing experience!

Through a sequence of many coincidences, perhaps too numerous to list*, I found myself at Bear Creek Running Co with the intention of doing a little recon on running shoes. That's all I intended to do, recon.

I want to transition from walking to jogging. I have walked past Bear Creek Running Co many times, I knew I would not suffer from sensory overload by making this my first data point (vs. the shoe stores in the mall, with walls and walls of shoes).

I met Kirsti, told her what I've been doing (walking) and what I wanted to do (move faster). I've been walking in my Merrells (moab ventilator hiking shoe) for over 3,000 miles (in little over a year). I've tried to jog in them, but they are too heavy. I can't do it for more than a couple hundred yards. I was able to run on the beach, barefoot, earlier in the year, so knew the heavy hiking shoes are a root cause. I wanted something lighter.

Kirsti had me run on the treadmill so she could video my gait. We watched the video together and she pointed out that I tend to.... Dang, I forget the exact term. No matter, everyone is different. Based on how I moved on the treadmill, Kirsti narrowed my requirements down to a few pairs of shoes for me to try. I won't bog this review down with my unique details, but I settled on a pair of Saucony Guide 8s. These shoes are so comfortable and more affordable than I thought they would be (based on other shoe prices I have seen in the malls).

It was a very good experience and can't wait to take my Guides for their first run. Walking home was a wonderful experience, just having lighter shoes on my feet was a thrill.

Thank you Kirsti! Meeting you was a very enjoyable experience.

Now to start upping my running game!

I might edit this review later...