Welcome to The Frontrunner Lichfield Street (Chch)

This site at 66 Lichfield St is the latest in a list of different sites...after all we have been around now since 1976!

The Frontrunner was the first and is the longest established technical store in New Zealand. In the early days we sourced a lot of our product direct from overseas and were first to introduce Nike, Adidas, Onitsuka, Brooks,Reebok, Umbro, and Avia to New Zealand.

Then we were more generalised; later specialising in various different categories.

Now we’re very focused on running, football, outdoor, tri’s, technical clothing and accessories.

We introduced and established the now widely spread method of Treadfit analysis in 1980. We installed the first analysis system in NZ and have steadily improved this over the years.

The Frontrunner has always been a company that has led and embraced the major innovations in the industry. Our staff are highly trained in all aspects of our business and are keen athletes in their own right.

We were first to introduce the 30 day unconditional replacement guarantee.... if within 30 days you don’t like the shoes we have selected for you then we will replace them with a shoe that you ARE happy with.

Justine and Laurie Blyth are the owners of The Frontrunner brand and five of the stores- Lichfield St, Northlands, Timaru, Dunedin and Nelson. Justine is the Managing Director and runs the operations for the company.

Laurie is a former pro football player from the UK who is recognised in the industry as one of the most able and knowledgeable footwear guys anywhere. He has an uncanny ability to be able talk ‘shoes’ all day with anyone...

Laurie also sets up the franchise business for new stores and is our resident store design expert; just look at the new set-up in Lichfield St which is now being rolled-out to Timaru and Ashburton.

The key guys in Lichfield St...

J.C.(or the Doc)

JC has huge repeat clients as he fixes all the wee niggles that people have. Has been with The Frontrunner for over 20 years and has a huge understanding of the foot/shoe relationship and is our resident trisport and wetsuit guy. A former track junior for Canada and good club runner in Christchurch.

Speaks funny but that is normal here (canuck ay)

 

 

 

 

Scott..a kiwi!!

A touch NZ rep and has learned a lot in the short time he’s been at The Frontrunner. Highly skilled in all parts of the business and has great service customer skills. Scott often takes the mick out of all of us and gets it back in heaps..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo...our resident visual merchandiser and all round staff herder

Jo keeps everyone on their toes (very quick to get things moving) and is our in-house expert on clothing ranges (technical and outdoor clothing). Which shows with our growth in the apparel side of the business, not to mention space on the shop floor!

We also have some great part time staff that make up the balance of the team.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Community associations.

We're proud to be associated with the following individuals, teams, and organisations:

• Burnside AFC 1^st and 2^nd teams
• Governors Bay school
• Christchurch Boys High School
• Avon AFC u19 team
• Karen Muller (Multisport athlete)
• NZ triathlon coaches
• CBHS Athletics
• Events Calendar
• Hanmer ½ marathon and 10k event..April/May
• Governors Bay school kids duathlon..April
• Riverside relay ..July
• Greta valley relay..Sept/Oct
• Port hills offroad series..November
• 5k series Hagley park..December

 

If you are interested in becoming part of The Frontrunner franchise team, call Laurie on 03 366 7995.