Vertel's authentic running and fitness will consolidate its downtown Chicago location at 24 S. Michigan Ave. into its Lincoln Park location at 2001 N. Clybourn in Chicago, effective Friday, Oct. 31, 2003, it was announced Wednesday.

The Michigan Avenue store's closing comes just over four years after it opened in October 1999. Vertel's has been on the scene in Chicago since 1976, when founder/owner Phil Blumenfield opened the first store at the height of the first running boom.

Blumenfield told Chicago Athlete on Wednesday that he'd had better days. He said the decision to close was painful and purely financial.

"We chose the wrong time to expand (1999)," Blumenfield said. "Frankly, the economy got us. That's basically what it was. We're sort of going back to where we were (Lincoln Park) and hoping for the best there.

"When we started the store, we were there at the beginning of CARA, the beginning of everything. We've been a part of this whole (running) thing for a long time, and we have every intention of going forward. I feel bad for my employees. How can you match the enthusiasm they give you?"

Most items at the Michigan Avenue location have been reduced, including all winter apparel at 50 percent off and summer apparel at 33 percent off. Selected shoes are also discounted up to 50 percent off.

This sale is at the Michigan Avenue location only and ends at the close of business on Friday, Oct. 31.

Blumenfield said Vertel's wants to thank all who have visited its two locations and looks forward to serving its customers at its Lincoln Park location.

For more information, call Vertel's on Michigan at 312-683-9600 or Vertel's on Clybourn at 773-248-7400.