MISSION:
Through the highest level of customer service and expertise, we strive to provide our customers with the proper footwear and apparel allowing each individual to experience the highest level of comfort and enjoyment in this journey called life. Our vision is to continue to provide the highest quality footwear, apparel, and accessories to meet the needs of runners and walkers and everyone in between. Whether you are a runner in quest of a state championship, a mother or father who just wants to get out and exercise, or someone who just wants to get from point A to point B, we want the community of Central Illinois to count on Running Central to fulfill your needs in this journey called life, one step at a time.
DRIVEN and PASSIONATE
These are the two words that describe the people who work at Running Central. Our team members are our most valuable assets. They are the ones that provide exceptional customer service to our lifeblood, our customers. So we have to be a bit persnickety when choosing potential team members.
We go to great lengths to look for extraordinary people that are willing to put others first and are constantly striving to find even better ways to serve our customers. Most of our team members were actually our customers first, so they appreciate the service we offer and understand the high expectation for service that is a requirement for being a part of this amazing team.
Running Central is most definitely a high energy, fun and rewarding place to work for people that have a passion for quality and customer service. From full time positions to family-friendly schedules, Running Central will work with you to match your career desires. Running Central can be a career; we offer wages above the retail industry norm. After all, we want good people to join us, stay with us and grow with us!!!
Are you up to the Running Central challenge?
Are you right for Running Central? Is Running Central right for you?
Ask yourself with these questions:
*Do you have a sense for sales?
Our customers appreciate learning about our products… from shoe technology to the importance of carrying a hydration pack. You should be comfortable (even passionate and excited) about suggesting items people might enjoy and find incredibly useful.
*Can you switch gears on the fly?
When customer traffic slows, you will find yourself busy with stocking, cleaning and more. But when somebody walks in the door, your focus has to switch 100% to friendly customer service, even if you are behind in your other tasks.
*Are you calm and friendly under pressure?
Imagine providing superior customer care to 2 customers at the same time (with your other team members doing the same) while 3 more customers are waiting. They all want the same level of attention and care, they want it in a timely fashion and they want you to be friendly and appreciative. Things can get very busy here and there is always other work to be done. Expect a fast pace for hours on end.
*Are you a team player?
Running Central is a family and we work closely with each other, sometimes under stress or with other things on your mind. And no matter what’s going on in your week, your team members will be counting on you to be here 100% when your shift starts. We all depend on each other and support each other. You need to be respectful and patient, and you also need to pull your own weight when it comes to customers and other work that has to get done.
*Are you willing to learn new things?
People know us as the fit experts. “Fit” does not just refer to shoes but all of our products and our service. You’ll need to make an effort to get educated about all of our products, so you can deliver the level of service our customers have come to expect. We’ll help you, but it will be up to you to ask questions and take the time to remember things.
*Do you pay attention to the details?
It’s the thoughtful little touches that make a “specialty” store so special, like remembering a frequent customers name or what type of shoe they run in. By going the extra mile for a customer by staying open late or giving them a call when a new item comes in that they will just love is what sets us apart. Fun little extras go a long way and make your job worth the effort.
*Are you patient and willing to serve people?
We expect team members to have a friendly attitude towards customers, to smile and greet them as soon as they walk in, to make conversation with all kinds of people, to serve their needs, to take time and care for them. If you feel shy approaching new people, this may not be the environment for you.
*Are you available on Saturday?
In this biz, weekends are a crucial time. Of course we want to have our staff out there racing too, so we take turns allowing each staff member the opportunity to race when they want, but also be available back at the store too.
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, please click here for the application.
When applying, please include a cover letter with your own personal answers to the above questions, completed application and resume. Email these three items to: employment@runningcentral.com or bring them in person to Maggie at Running Central, 4450 N Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL. If you have any questions, please send an email to employment@runningcentral.com. No phone calls, please.
Hours:* Monday-Friday 10am-7pm * Saturday 9am-6pm * Sunday closed
Location: Running Central is located in Peoria Heights, IL at the corner of Prospect and Marietta.
DIRECTIONS:
From East/Southeast
Take 74 Westbound to exit 92 North Knoxville. Drive northbound on Knoxville approximately 2 miles. Turn right on War Memorial Drive. Go approximately 1 mile and turn left on Prospect Road. We are approximately .7 miles on the right at the corner of Marietta and Prospect.
From West
Take 74 Eastbound to exit 89 US 150/War Memorial Drive. Head eastbound on War Memorial Drive approximately 3 miles. Turn left on Prospect Road. We are approximately .7 miles on the right at the corner of Marietta and Prospect.
From North
Take IL 40/Knoxville South to Glen Avenue. Turn left. Turn right on Prospect Road. Drive south approximately .3 miles. We are on the left at the corner of Marietta and Prospect.
From South/Southwest
Take 1-474 W. Take exit A for 74 E. Take exit 89 US 150/War Memorial Drive. Head eastbound on War Memorial Drive approximately 3 miles. Turn left on Prospect Road. We are approximately .7 miles on the right at the corner of Marietta and Prospect.