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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 23, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Running Company up and running March 3 By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Less than two months ago, The Running Company's ceiling was on the floor. Its plumbing, wiring and heating systems were wrecked. All of the store's merchandise was soaking wet and smoke damaged. This was the result of a fire that struck the top floor of the two-storey 181 Thomas St. building in midJanuary. The fire damage was lessened by the fact that a burst water pipe put out the blaze, but most of that water trickled down to the basement level, which The Running Company calls home. But after just a short time, things are looking up for the store, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. "They're installing shelving right now and we're waiting on footwear," said owner, Greg McKinnon, who has been at the store regularly to help speed the recovery process. "We've got a roof, heat, walls ­ it's been great, considering we had nothing about two weeks ago." Literally, nothing. The entire store had to be gutted, all of the stock removed. None of it can be sold because of water and smoke damage. March 3 marks the Running BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF THE AFTERMATH: Oakville Fire officials investigated the cause of a fire which damaged a nail salon, hairstylist's and the Running Company in January. Company's official grand re-opening. Nike has committed to putting on a display to celebrate the re-opening, with giveaways for customers. "Being a longtime Nike supporter, they said this is our way of showing appreciation for being there so long and helping us out after all this happened," said McKinnon. Things should be back to normal by April 11 ­ The Running Company's 10th anniversary. As McKinnon put it, "We're getting there." And getting the store back on its feet has been a group effort. "I had a lot of customers come forward and offer their services or their time," said McKinnon. "We've managed to come back very, very quickly, and we thank everybody for their support. We couldn't have done it without them." While the store is waiting on the arrival of footwear, getting other apparel shipped in before April 1 ­ that's the date it's usually shipped ­ could be a problem. "It isn't even in Canada yet, but they're working on it. They're doing everything they can, so we'll see what happens," said McKinnon. "It could take as late as the beginning of April to come in." That's not bad considering following the Jan. 14 fire, the store was getting worse by the minute as water weighed down a slumping ceiling that looked ready to collapse. "More and more of the ceiling came down over the course of the following three days," said McKinnon. "The workmen just touched it and it all fell." A new ceiling, walls, paint job, hardwood floors and more have been installed ­ the store will boast a new look for the March 3 opening. Some things, though, McKinnon said, will remain the same. "We managed to save most of our memorabilia ­ we have autographed pictures of various customers over the years who have accomplished goals. Anything in a frame or plaque, we still have." As for the total cost of the loss of merchandise from January's fire and flood, McKinnon says that's still being calculated. "That's a nightmare, because you have to prove everything with an invoice," he said. "That'll take a while." The Running Company's grand re-Opening is Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. ­ 3 p.m. Free group runs start again on Wednesday, Feb. 28, and will take place every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Runners meet outside the store.