Rob Fyfe wants to open a "very different running store" in downtown Beaufort.

"I love the old feel, the brick on the outside, the hardwood floors inside," he said of the new branch of the Palmetto Running Co. he is opening. "We kept the look but are adding modern technology. We're going to have brand new equipment in a beautiful old building."

The store is expected to open July 21 at 207 West St. Fyfe started looking about six months ago for a place to open in northern Beaufort County. The Bluffton location is at 22 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 103.

"We have a pretty big customer base coming down from Beaufort and Parris Island, and upon request we decided to look at downtown Beaufort," he said.

Fyfe intends to get involved with organizations such as Main Street Beaufort, USA, and the local schools. He already is talking to Main Street about helping with its fundraising runs, and he hopes to get Beaufort High School students involved in runs and training, as he has with Bluffton High School students.

The running store's addition is one of several changes on West Street. Renovations also are under way at 205 West St. to open Old Bull Tavern. Fyfe said the street is an ideal location for him to open a store because of the proximity -- less than a block -- to Bay Street and plentiful foot traffic.

The store will open with three employees and will specialize in analysis and fitting of running and walking shoes.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Details: www.palmettorunningcompany.com, 843-815-1718

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