Fleet Feet Opens New Store in Panama City, Florida

July 31, 2025

Local couple expands footprint along Gulf Coast with second location

PANAMA CITY, Fla., and CARRBORO, N.C. (July 31, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of run specialty stores, will open its newest storefront in Panama City, Florida. Located in the SweetBay Town Center at 950 Promenade St., the store becomes the second Fleet Feet location owned by Misty and Jeff Ehret.

The Ehrets opened their first Fleet Feet in Inlet Beach, Florida, in 2023, and have seen the local running community surge in the past two years. Run clubs and race participation in Northwest Florida have seen significant growth, and store sales at the Inlet Beach location have grown 19% year over year.

About Misty and Jeff Ehret
Prior to becoming a small business owner, Misty spent 25 years in nuclear medicine and health care management. Jeff recently retired after a 35-year career in the beverage industry, where he served as a national sales director. Their interest in Fleet Feet ownership began while supporting their daughter, Coral, as she trained for junior triathlons near home. Coral, a former Fleet Feet Louisville employee, now plays an active role in the family business, serving as both the apparel buyer and social media manager.

Since opening their first store in 2023, the Ehrets have partnered with Operation Outdoor Freedom to provide opportunities for wounded veterans, support the local Girls on the Run Council, and work with the American Legion to host an annual 5K/10K race in honor of Veterans Day.

“Fleet Feet has always been about more than shoes,” said Misty Ehret. “It’s about showing up for the community, offering expert support, and building a place where movement and motivation intersect. Panama City has such an active culture, and we’re excited to play a small role in continuing to help the community thrive.”

“Misty and Jeff have built something special in Inlet Beach using a community-first approach,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “Their second location is a reflection of that success and the growing demand for places where people feel supported in their health and fitness journeys. We’re confident they’ll quickly become a cornerstone for the running and walking community in Panama City.”

Product Selection and Fit Technology
Fleet Feet Panama City offers a comprehensive selection of running and walking shoes, apparel, and accessories from top brands like On, HOKA, New Balance, Vuori, Free Fly, and Lululemon. Customers can take advantage of Fleet Feet’s proprietary fit id® outfitting process, which uses 3D foot scanning to deliver personalized footwear recommendations. The new store will also host weekly group runs and training programs.

For nearly 50 years, Fleet Feet owners, partners, and employees have created inclusive spaces that help people reach their goals, whether they’re training for a race, walking for wellness, or just looking for everyday comfort. At every level and every distance, Fleet Feet equips its customers with knowledge, support, and gear that help them move with confidence.

About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 280 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

Media Contact:
Sofia Rohrbach, Backbone Media
Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1162
Email: sofia.rohrbach@backbone.media