OvareVentures is expanding its retail presence and adding to its outdoor portfolio with the purchase of Massachusetts-based Kenver, Ltd., a sportswear boutique and outdoor retail hub.
Founded in 1959 by the late sportsman and skier Ken Vermeulen, Kenver specializes in sports equipment, including skis, bikes, snowboards, and ice skates. Kenver also sells seasonal designer sporting apparel, footwear and features a dedicated bootery cellar with fit specialists and a curated collection of artisan wares and home accessories.
Kenver’s historic building was built in 1731 as a stagecoach stop and maintains its ambiance with fireplaces and antiques. Kenver has twice been named “Best of New England” in the Ski, Snowboard and Cross-Country Shop Awards presented by New England Winter Sports Representatives, Inc. (NEWSR).
“We’re thrilled to be joining the OvareVentures family,” said Kenver President Lucinda Vermeulen. “The team has already proven invaluable in bringing new ideas, and we’re eager to take advantage of their extensive marketing resources as well as the synergies with their other outdoor brands.”
OvareGroup Chairman and CEO Jordan F. Reber noted, “We are fully committed to the outdoor space, and Kenver is an important asset as we expand both eCommerce and physical retail as avenues to showcase our unique outdoor brands.”
“We see opportunity for Kenver to serve as a hub for all things outdoor, and I’m excited to welcome them into OvareVentures expanding portfolio of assets,” added Kara Anastasiadis, president, OvareGroup Outdoor.
OvareVentures is part of OvareGroup, a Los Angeles-based private holding company. OvareVentures has been actively expanding its portfolio of outdoor brands through acquisition, investment and the launch of direct-to-consumer brands, including Baddle, Bridge Bikeworks, Pulse Boot Lab and Ski Company, Sport Casuals International, BE Outfitter, and Gull Lake Boat Works.
Photo courtesy Kenver
