Accessories Spotlight: RUNNUR

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: February 19, 2010

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ATTENTION: RUNNUR Giveaway Details Below!

Ah the dilemma of having to get your hands free, while carrying too many things which don’t fit in your pockets.  If it were the 80′s, the solution was simple: fanny packs.

Even though fanny packs have made somewhat of a retro comeback, they aren’t for everyone. So here comes RUNNUR, a cross-body multi-function strap you can use to carry those itty bitty things that are important.

RUNNUR inventor, Andrew Hamra gives SoJones.com the lowdown on his product.

Introduce yourself and describe how you came up with this interesting product?

The idea for the RUNNUR was born after it became obvious there were too many things I needed to carry with me throughout the day that just didn’t fit into my pocket anymore. Since there were too few to really justify the purchase of a backpack, my options were limited: I could have just sucked it up and bought a fanny pack or perhaps pushed the envelope a little more with the acquisition of a man purse. Always having had an eye for fashion, I took it upon myself to design and create a product that could carry what I considered the “essentials” and do so in a manner that not only felt comfortable, but also expressed a certain design friendly aesthetic. Once a working prototype was ready to go, I found a friend who helped me develop the idea. The result is a product that strikes a perfect balance between form and function. We believe it will become an invaluable asset for those who make movement a lifestyle!

How has the product been received since its first introduction? Who are more excited, the male or female customers?

Our main exposure to the market has been at major festivals like Bonnaroo in Tennessee, and Austin City Limits Festival in Texas. I think the one thing overheard in the booth the most is “Wow, this is a great idea!” While both male and female customers seem to enjoy the product equally, there is definitely a certain group, who have a certain fashion forward aesthetic, that “get” the product immediately and take no time slipping one on, filling it up, and heading on their way. Others need a little explaining, which is understandable, because they have never seen anything like the RUNNUR before…. Once I explain it’s not for “running” but more for “running around,” that’s when the light goes on, and they see the potential of moving about their day without pockets stuffed full with cell phones, keys, Mp3 players, and the like.

What celeb or well-known figure(s) exemplify the brand?

This is actually a funny story. I was headed to Birmingham the other weekend, and was one of the last people to board the plane. Needless to say all the aisle and window seats were taken, so I was looking for someone I might find some chemistry with. Then, I see this fellow in a white sweat suit, looking pretty laid back, and figured he was the guy. After we talk for a bit, he tells me he works for a radio station out in L.A., and since I know a lot of musicians and artists enjoy the RUNNUR, I showed it to him. He took to it right away, and so I offered to send him a few promotional straps for his crew, and he was down. Now to the to the good part, after I enter his number in my phone I ask for his name…….. “Al B. Sure” he says!!!! So to make a long story short, I had one RUNNUR on me that I gave to him at the baggage claim, but I knew it was too small, and said I’d get him a bigger one when I got back home. Turns out he was with his sons on the trip, and they were both trying to lay claim to it. In a follow up email, Al tells me he really thinks I’m on to something, and we sent out 12 straps for his whole crew!!!! Al’s a great guy, I’m glad he’s reppin the RUNNUR!

Any product placements on celebs, in movies or videos to keep an eye out for?

My brother is a writer in Hollywood so we’re trying to work some angles there, but so far the RUNNUR has been a hit with music production crews because it fits everything they need, so they don’t have to load down their cargo pant pockets…. We did a test run this year with the Austin City Limits production staff team leaders, and it was a big hit!!!

Any expansion plans? Will there be bags or new shapes of Runnur? Or maybe even… a clothing line?

Yes, we are definitely looking into doing some new colors like red, pink, blue, green, etc. One day I hope to allow consumers to design there own online and then have it shipped out! Also, things like wallets and water bottles, that are designed to be a part of the product, have been discussed.

Looking ahead over the next year or two, what themes/looks/styles do you see your brand gravitating to? Will there be use of different materials?

Using the people that have approached me at festivals as an indicator, the RUNNUR seems to be accessible to a very diverse demographic. I’m really open to following whatever opportunities come our way. If
someone has an idea about a color, fabric, or design modification, I want to hear it. I’d like to keep this project as current and interactive as possible. Whether that’s in the streets or mountain tops, we just want to be ready!

What themes/looks/styles do you see your brand moving away from?

That’s easy…. the fanny pack, and empty or underutilized backpacks!!!

What has been a surprise fashion hit over the last year?

I think the messenger bag has been a hit, albeit within a smaller demographic… Looking back, the “one strap” look has always suggested, or at least hinted, more towards “cool” or “hip.” I saw them all over the place at SXSW this year in Austin.

You can easily get RUNNUR at their official website: http://www.gorunnur.com for $34.00 each. SoJones editors fell in love with its practicality and so will you!

RUNNUR GIVEAWAY!!

We’ve got 2 RUNNUR cross-body multi-function strap (1 Men’s and 1 Women’s) to give away via a “SoJones Article Comments Lottery”. Here’s how it works:

1. Every SoJones comment posted on this page from 19 to 26 February, 2010 counts as a “lottery entry”. Also make sure when you comment, have a link to somewhere we can contact you (like your SoJones account, your facebook, etc.). It makes it easier to contact you if you win.
2. Drawing for TWO winners will be held on February 27th. Winners will be announced on this page and on the forums page (http://www.sojones.com/forums/).

Article Comments Lottery Rules

• One item per winner
• Duplicate comments will not count, like posting “I love this forum” or “hi” 50 times.
• Garbage or nonsensical comments will not count, like “awr#$ASFasdfkl”
• Comments hating on other people will definitely NOT count.
• U.S. residents only