Gander Mountain Company and Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters, a well
known regional outdoor retailer based in Walker, Minnesota, announced
that Gander Mountain will acquire the inventory and certain assets of
the Reeds Outdoor Super Store located in Baxter, Minnesota. The closing
of the transaction is expected to occur in September 2007.
As a part of the agreement, Reeds will no longer have a presence in
Baxter, but will continue to operate its store in Walker, Minnesota,
its on-line store, catalog businesses and other retail locations in the
future.
“Gander Mountain opened our Baxter store in 2005, and while we have
been pleased with the business, we believe the Brainerd Lakes area
could be better served by one store with the quantity and quality of
service and inventory that our store and the Reeds store are both
offering,” said Mark Baker, Gander Mountain president and CEO. “It
makes sense for both companies and will be good for outdoor
enthusiasts. We have great respect for Reeds as good competitors and we
wish the Arnold family all the best in Walker and wherever they do
business in the future.”
Between now and September, Reeds and Gander Mountain will continue
customary daily operations in their respective Baxter locations. Gander
Mountain and Reeds will integrate the Reeds Baxter store inventory into
Gander Mountain's Baxter store. It is expected that some current Reeds
Baxter staff will be employed by Gander Mountain as a part of the
transition. Reeds will move some staff members to its Walker store.
“Everyone connected with Reeds is very grateful to all of our
customers, staff, friends, businesses, and to the communities in the
Brainerd Lakes area,” said Adam Arnold, Reeds president. “Reeds Baxter
store performed very well over the years with continuous sales growth
year after year and it gained great success by establishing a strong,
loyal following of friends and customers with great service and
customer care. We look forward to continuing to serve customers and
friends in our Walker store and on-line.”
