Acquisition of former golf headquarters location in Cedar Rapids expands specialty retailers’ national footprint; new store has been transformed into full-service Edwin Watts Golf Shop, adding to the company’s stable of more than 90 retail locations
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2012…Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC, one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers, today announced the acquisition of a Golf Headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, establishing the first-ever Edwin Watts Golf Shop in the state of Iowa. This acquisition supports the Company’s strategic growth strategy, further expanding its National footprint throughout the Midwest. The grand opening festivities for the new-look Iowa shop, located at 1961 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, will take place from Thursday, March 29 – Sunday, April 1, 2012, and will include a host of interactive activities and product giveaways.
The 10,000 square foot Cedar Rapids location has been converted into a full-service Edwin Watts Golf Shop, equipped with the latest technology, including a launch monitor & club repair facility, and featuring a wide selection of golf equipment & apparel, electronics and related golf accessories from top brands such as TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, FootJoy, Cleveland, Nike, Adams, Cobra, Wilson, Champions Tour and others. This acquisition adds to the Company’s stable of more than 90 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.
“Establishing new locations in strategic markets throughout the Midwest allows us to better support our vendor partners in new communities,” said John Watson, CEO, Edwin Watts Golf Shops. “As we continue to expand our national footprint, I’m thrilled that golfers in Iowa now have the opportunity to experience everything that Edwin Watts Golf has to offer, including product expertise, industry knowledge, superior service and the camaraderie of our friendly store associates.”
Additionally, as golf club and ball custom fitting remains a priority at all Edwin Watts Golf Shops, custom fitting experts are stationed at the performance fitting center, sponsored by TaylorMade, providing golfers of all ages and abilities with a superior fitting experience. In fact, Edwin Watts Golf store associates and field representatives from the leading equipment brands will utilize the Company’s in-store launch monitors and swing analysis software to conduct custom fitting sessions, designed to properly fit a golfer with equipment that matches their unique swing, and which will help them improve their game.
As the golf apparel market continues to enjoy steady growth, the Cedar Rapids location also features a wide selection of apparel brands highlighted by Edwin Watts Golf’s new E Whitley line, a fashionable, yet reasonably priced collection of women’s apparel, including performance polos, skorts, shorts, and more. Further, a breath of apparel items (men’s, women’s and children’s) from Nike, Adidas, Oakley and Puma are also available.
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 90+ 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 43 years has earned the organization the right to be known as America’s Golf Club.
Contact:
Michele Cooper (michele@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman (aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
