New stores will be transformed into full-service Edwin Watts Golf Shops, adding to the company’s
stable of more than 70 retail locations; acquisition complements Edwin Watts golf’s multi-year agreement
with Sears, which created the first U.S. based “store-within-a-store” retail model for the golf industry
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fl., July 26, 2010…On the heels of its multi-year agreement with Sears to establish the first U.S. based “store-within-a-store” retail model for the golf industry, Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC, one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers, today announced the acquisition of 5 retail locations from Southern Golf Partners, including stores in Albany, Ga.; Augusta, Ga.; Macon, Ga.; Ocala, Fla. and Panama City Beach, Fla. Each of the 5 stores will be converted into full-service Edwin Watts Golf Shops, offering the freshest assortment of brand name golf equipment, apparel, accessories and electronics.
The acquisition, which complements the Sears agreement that will add 12 “store-within-a-store” retail locations at Sears stores nationwide, further adds to Edwin Watts Golf Shops’ stable of more than 70 domestic retail locations, and enhances an overall golf retail operation that is supported by direct catalog sales and a popular eCommerce Internet business at www.edwinwattsgolf.com.
“We are very excited to expand the Edwin Watts Golf Shops portfolio with the acquisition of these 5 new store locations,” said John Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Edwin Watts Golf Shops. “In conjunction with our new agreement with Sears, we are committed to establishing the Edwin Watts Golf Shops brand in new markets nationwide, while also continuing to leverage our brand name to open up new stores in regions where we already have a presence.”
The 5 new Edwin Watts Golf Shops locations, via the Southern Golf Partners acquisition, will be equipped with the latest technology, including a launch monitor & club repair facility, and will feature select product assortments in golf equipment & apparel, electronics and related golf accessories from top brands such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, FootJoy, adidas Golf, Cleveland, Cobra, Adams, Wilson, Champions Tour and others.
Watson adds, “Edwin Watts Golf Shops will continue to bring a new dimension of golf retail to an ever-growing audience of avid golfers, newcomers to the game and shoppers of golf equipment and accessories. This type of expansion is important to the game as it creates opportunities to grow golf at a time when it is needed the most.”
About Edwin Watts Golf
Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC (an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.), headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is one of the world’s premier specialty golf retailers. The company operates as an integrated, multi-channel retailer, offering the freshest assortment of brand name golf equipment, apparel, and accessories through its 70+ domestic Retail Locations, eCommerce Internet site (www.edwinwattsgolf.com), Telephone/Catalog/Direct Mail sales (1.800.874.0146) and Digital Catalog (www.edwinwattsgolf.com/catalogs). Edwin Watts Golf touts a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable sales associates who can assist customers of all skill levels with lessons, performance fitting, special orders and repair services. The combination of the highest level of customer service, price match guarantee and reputation as the most trusted retailer in golf for over 42 years has earned the organization the right to be known as America’s Golf Club.
Contact:
Michele Kruchkowski
(mkruchkowski@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman
(aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc.
732-469-5700
