Rock/Creek outfitters was acquired for the second time in 16 months on Thursday as outdoor retailers make moves to re-establish brick and mortar shops.
The Chattanooga-based outdoor retailer was bought by Gearhead Outfitters, an Arkansas-based company that owns 10 stores across the South, in a major shakeup to the outdoor industry. The retailer also purchased Uncle Dan's, which acquired Rock/Creek in April 2018.
"We are passionate about brick and mortar retail, the outdoor industry, our communities and our mission," said Ted Herget, owner and founder of Gearhead Outfitters, in a release. "The opportunity to acquire Rock/Creek and Uncle Dan's has provided a unique opportunity for all three brands to align under those values as a family of outdoor specialty retailers. Our highest priority is to maintain the integrity of these companies, the brands we carry, and to expand the influence of the outdoor industry."
The acquisition includes Rock/Creek's seven retail locations and six Uncle Dan's locations in the Chicago area and Glendale, Wisconsin. It also includes the e-commerce presence of both companies.
The 30-year-old Rock/Creek has been a pillar of the local outdoor industry. It was one of the first to capitalize on Chattanooga as an outdoor city and offers its customers gear for a range of outdoor activities such as climbing and paddling.
Former co-owners Chad Wykle and Jonathan Scott, long-time employees, acquired Rock/Creek from its founders, Dawson Wheeler and Marvin Webb, in 2017. Their goal was to grow the company across the Southeast.
The two sold to Uncle Dan's, formerly a subsidiary of Camping World, but kept the local staff in place at stores and its corporate office. The new acquisition also moves the locally-founded company back to private ownership.
"Gearhead has been doing the same good work for the Midsouth for many years," said Wykle, who is now Rock/Creek's president, in a release. "Together, we will continue to strengthen and develop outdoor specialty retail. We know our heritage will continue with this acquisition, and are confident our customers will welcome the return to a privately-owned brand."
Contact Mark Pace with questions, comments, concerns or story tips at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at ChattanoogaOutdoorsTFP.