With my concerns about my left tibialis anterior, I did not want to run in my current sneakers again and chance any kind of set back to my running schedule.
Hashem's Variety Store
Thankfully, Hashem’s Variety Store is open on Labour Day and there is no better place in PE to get runners.
The store and its owner are truly legendary and the only place where you can be properly fitted for runners on the island.
Salam Hashem
Owned and operated by life-long runner Salam Nemtallah Hashem, this store boasts stacks and stacks of asics and racks of discount running clothing. There is even a sizable bargain bin section. The athletic gear is jam-packed amidst bins of fresh produce, racks of potato chips, counters full of sticky sweet Montreal baklava and fat pitted dates, display cases filled with candy, dairy cases of yoghurt and an incredible array of sundries. Standing in the shop is like being lost in a 3D I Spy book! It is a wonderful experience.
stacks o' asics
Mr. Hashem first fitted me for a pair of asics many years ago. Now I can just walk in, ask for the most recent GT model in size 7 1/2, in this case GT-2140, pay and be on my way. I don’t even need to try them on anymore and I have never had a regret.
bargain bins
I have always simply accepted the first box Mr. Hashem hands me, without regard for colour as this has never been relevant to me. Coincidentally though, to date, I have never had the same colour twice. My new happy feet are orange. But they have, by year, been red, yellow, green, light blue, black, purple, and dark blue.
Hashem’s Variety. The prices are lower than anywhere else in PE and he always tosses in a complimentary pair of running socks. He does not like to accept returns so you need to know what you are looking for, though he will agree to a return if you discuss it with him during the purchase.
Hashem’s Variety. 100% recommended.
my new orange asics
12 comments
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September 8, 2009 at 12:52 am
South Beach Steve
It sounds like you have something most people long for – a retailer you can trust. I’m glad to see you got the new shoes. It’s not cool at all to have avoidable pain.
September 8, 2009 at 2:34 am
thewholeway
Steve, you’re right about trusting those from whom you purchase. Hashem is an interesting man who knows his stuff. It is good to have him around. Tomorrow I will see how the lower leg feels in the new gear.
September 8, 2009 at 10:03 pm
RobFitness
I sure love my asics as well. I don’t know how I lived without them before. Now I wouldn’t buy anything but them. Maybe thats why I didn’t do to bad on the 5K. Good running shoes that provide cushion and support will surely help prevent those injuries and pain. I seem to by a pair every 4 months or so.
I personally have the best of luck at Sports Chalet. I think it’s a chain sports store but them seem to really be helpful and very knowledgeable with what I am looking for. After all they were the people that turned me on to my Asics.
Hope your leg is feeling so pain and your in top notch form with your running. I am cheering you on all the way…
September 9, 2009 at 2:19 pm
thewholeway
I am liking the fresh runners but still twinging a bit in the tib. ant. I am hoping it will pass soon.
There are no Sports Chalets in PE and rumour has it that John Stanton of Running Room won’t put a store in because he couldn’t compete with Hashem’s loyal following. It is good to have skill and knowledge.
I’m glad your asics served you so well in that 5k. That last minute knee pain was a bit of a scare and I’m glad it amounted to nothing for you Rob!
January 15, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Gord
This is an amazing spot with an amazing owner. This GENTLEMAN is truly a legend to meet and to talk to. His knowledge of running and running gear/wear is second to no one! I vacationed in PEI last summer for 7 days and stopped in and talked with Mr. Hashem almost every day or evening. Great service and great prices with a whole lot of personality and knowledge.
I have been dealing here for 6 years now, a pair about every 4-5 months and would never dream of going anywhere else! Very nice!
January 15, 2010 at 5:45 pm
thewholeway
You are so right Gord. And to think there is so little info available about Hashem, the man, on the internet. I just had to do a blog post and he was gracious if a bit abashed when I asked for the photo of him.
January 24, 2010 at 8:01 am
Paty Hashem
he is the best man ever,,not only in business,,and his shoes are really the best,,he s my dear uncle that i adore,,i am happy to read wt u ve written guys 😀
cool websites
January 24, 2010 at 11:25 am
thewholeway
Hey Paty, I can’t agree with you more. When I asked to take his photo he was shy and humble, as usual, and I was surprised to find little on the internet about him and his shoes. Thanks for adding to our knowledge of this great guy!
September 6, 2010 at 7:38 pm
barefoot q & a session: an invite from allison’s big toe « the whole way
[…] my Asics. Always my asics. Though I have VFFs, I have done very little running in […]
November 16, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Bill Corcoran
We drove 3 hours out of our way to check this place out. It’s truly a legendary experience. I’ve never seen anything like it.
November 17, 2010 at 6:18 pm
thewholeway
A landmark worthy of a 3 hour trek indeed. Thanks Bill.
October 4, 2014 at 1:17 pm
james mckenna
I have had numerous runner shoes shipped to Ottawa over the years, I even got shoes for friends who kept coming to me and asking me if I still had the access to Hashem unlimted supply of good quaility shoes. when someone mentioned it’s the best price in PEI, I can tell you it’s the best price in the Ottawa and lower even with the shipping charge. I have been Hashem friend for many years even thought I moved away from the Island when I was very young man. He is very generious to his customers, friends and his family. Father time has caught up with me, (70’s) but hashem doesn’t show his age in continuing to run the business like a good and family driven country style store. He should be there for a long time as retirement is not known to him. You are a great guy/Friend, Hashem, Jim