A SCOTTISH success story is crossing the Border to expand into the north of England.

Run4It, Scotland’s largest independent retailer of running equipment, has eight stores across Scotland and is now setting its sights on expanding south of the Border.

With the backing of HSBC bank, Run4it is not only expanding its high street footprint but is investing in a new online sales platform as annual revenue from internet transactions approaches £1 million.

The backing of HSBC enabled Run4it to recently purchase and fit out two new premises in the central belt, in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and now Run4It is using further HSBC funding to invest.

Online orders are the fastest-growing income stream for the firm, which is headquartered in Aberdeen, as it successfully balances high street retail with online earnings.

Run4It stocks all of the major brands of road running shoes such as ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno, Nike and Adidas.

The chain also has made a name for itself with its off-road trail, fell and hill-running ranges from quality brands such as Inov-8 and Salomon, and also sells the latest in running clothing.

Originally opened in 2004 and based within the Tiso Outdoor Experience store in Glasgow, Run4It has expanded across Scotland and now has stores from Inverness to Bridge of Allan.

The company has won both Best Independent Retailer and Best Customer Service for the second year in a row at the Running Awards.

The company’s website states: “Our love of running and our passion for great products and exceptional customer service proved to be a winning formula.”

Ian White, Director at Run4It, said: “While exemplary customer service is at the heart of our business, behind the scenes it is critical to be able to invest in the right infrastructure to deliver for customers.

“The key to retail success is to be able to balance a high street presence with a website that is easy to use and this funding has enabled us to invest in both.

“We are keen to expand our footprint farther afield but we need a website that is fit for purpose and knowledgeable staff to manage this.

“HSBC provided the business with both the strategic support and the finance to put this plan in place.”

Run4It switched full banking facilities to HSBC in April this year, when over £250,000 was allocated from the bank’s national

£10 billion SME fund to actively support small and medium enterprises in the UK.

Of the fund, £450 million is specifically designated to support Scottish firms in a bid to help rebalance the economy outside of London.

Headquartered in London, HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with assets of $2,596billion and 6,000 offices across 71 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa.

Tim Laundon, Relationship Manager at HSBC, said: “High street retail is a very tough sector and Run4It has done superbly well to balance those challenges with strong online sales.

“As it looks to expand both its physical and online footprint, we will support the business’s evolving needs in what are very exciting times for Run4It.”