North Shore Running Store prepares for debut

SANDUSKY — No matter if you crawl, walk, hop, skip, sprint, drive or fly, the North Shore Running Store's management team wants to see as many people visit its new store during two upcoming events.The business, on East Market Street in downtown Sandusky next to Lea's Kitchen, scheduled:• An Erie County Chamber of Commerce-hosted open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21• A grand opening, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24"Please join us in celebrating the opening of the area's first and only specialty run store," according to a company statement.Missie Lowrey, the store's owner, who's also a lifelong runner and coaches track for Huron High School, said North Shore will offer several services, such as selling specialty running and walking shoes for all different levels of runners. It'll also sell related apparel, accessories and organize group runs"We have such an awesome running community here, and I'm excited to begin working with people," Lowrey said.Lowrey, a Huron resident, also began the business because she saw a dire need."In this area, we are always having to send our kids in cross-country or track to Rocky River or Perrysburg for things they need," Lowrey said. "That's why I wanted to come here, to Sandusky, so we can give our kids a specialty fit for running shoes without them having to go too far away. We have so many kids who run in high school programs and adults who run competitively and recreationally that it's a necessity."The company falls under H2 Property Holdings' business umbrella. Rick Hogrefe, the company's co-owner explained the importance for such an establishment."North Shore Running Store will support a very large and dedicated running population," he said. "We are very excited to have them join us in making downtown a great place to visit and live."Want to go?What: The North Shore Running Store grand openingWhere: 178 E. Market St., SanduskyWhen: An open house takes place 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 21, and the store's grand opening occurs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24Who: The event is only open to Erie County Chamber of Commerce members.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Missie Lowrey stands inside her new shop, North Shore Running Store, on East Water Street in downtown Sandusky. Among other products, the store will sell several name-brand specialty running shoes, such as Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance and Saucony