Runners' Choice to leave Dundas as flex street construction continues

After 28 years, Runners' Choice is leaving its Dundas Street location months after construction has closed off part of the street nearthe downtown store.

The ongoing construction, which is making way for the city's long-anticipated flex street, was one of the factors in owner Brian Hagemeier's decision to move his running shop to another area of the city, along Springbank Drive.

• LISTEN: Runners' Choice moving shop off Dundas

"Construction it's definitely had an impact [on the business], said Hagemeier.

"Traffic on the street is a lot quieter."

The prospect of London's flex street also helped him make up his mind. Hagemeier believes the Dundas Place plan, which the city is set to completein two years, prioritizes entertainment over retail space.

"The vision that they have downtown is more entertainment focus restaurants and cafes," said Hagemeier.

"I'm just not sure for a business to survive and thrive downtown that it's going to have the atmosphere to make it happen."

The flex street, which is called Dundas Place, will be designed along a four-block stretch between the Thames River to Wellington Street to be easily closed off to cars for concerts and other events.

The upside is 'cheap rent'

Jeanette MacDonald, CEO and general manager of Downtown London, said she's sad to see Runners' Choice go, but she believes the flex street will strike the right balance between entertainment and retail.

"Our plan for Dundas Street is a multi-use street and retail can certainly play a part in it," said MacDonald.

She agrees though that entertainment will play a key role in the new vision of Dundas Street.

But why would businesses want to set up shop on Dundas Street with the ongoing construction?

MacDonald points to relatively cheap rent.

"From a financial standpoint if it were me, I would be cutting a really long leash right now while the rates are still low because the rates are going to go quite high when the flex street actually takes place," said MacDonald.

"So it's going to be a very desirable place to be."

Runners' Choice will be closing its Dundas Street location at the end of July, with the new store opening up at the beginning of August.