Fleet Feet to move from Ward Parkway to Brookside

By Joyce Smith

This dark Brookside space is about a block west of the Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail.

So it is fitting that it will soon be filled with athletic goods– premium running and walking shoes, clothes and gear.

Fleet Feet will relocate its Ward Parkway Center store to Brookside with expectations of opening in mid-November though no opening date has been set. 

The space, at 314 W. 63rd St., Suite B, was once part of the beloved Dime Store. After it closed, the space was divided to make it easier to lease – side A and side B. Ladyco, a women’s boutique, is in Side A.

The Ward Parkway Fleet Feet traces its roots to Garry Gribble’s Olympic Village, which opened in mid-1984. It sold athletic shoes and accessories for several sports, including running. The name later changed to Garry Gribble’s Running Sports. Finish Line took it over more than a dozen years ago, and then Fleet Feet in late 2022.

Michael Fronsoe, operating partner for the North Kansas store division (including Lawrence and Topeka), said Ward Parkway tenants with outside access such as Target and Trader Joe’s do well, but interior tenants have struggled. 

“Brookside. People just love that area – maybe [it’s] the ambiance, the history, and the tenants there,” he said. “We’ve met our neighbors. They’ve been really welcoming. We are looking forward to being there and being a part of that community.”

The North Carolina-based chain also has a location in Stoll Park Retail & Professional Center, 11908 W. 119th St. in Overland Park. Both the Stoll Park and Ward Parkway stores get frequent calls asking about the Brookside opening date, Fronsoe said.