Northeast- After a summer full of uncertainty, Eastern Mountain Sports will remain a part of the Northeast’s outdoor culture. However, it will initially operate at a reduced size.
Outdoor Retailer reported earlier this month that after Mountain Warehouse submitted a $5 million stalking horse bid for Eastern Mountain Sports during their bankruptcy process, this bid was approved. Mountain Warehouse’s stalking horse bid was $5 million. After no one else bid, they acquired the assets from GoDigital for $10 million. Mountain Warehouse is a British outdoor sportswear brand that aims to have 361 retail stores by the end of this year. As an EMS fan who doesn’t know much about Mountain Warehouse, I believe this is a great fit.
In an interview with Outdoor Retailer, Mark Neale, who’s the founder of Mountain Warehouse, described their intentions for EMS:
“EMS has such a strong heritage and reputation. We want to build on this DNA and bring EMS back to where it used to be. At its peak, EMS had more than 100 stores and we have a clear ambition to get to that kind of level over time. Mountain Warehouse has been trading in the U.S. for 10 years and we have a profitable business. But we are still small given the size of the market and with EMS we think we will reach more customers more quickly.”
Many of the EMS locations are currently undergoing store-closing sales. Seven stores will remain open: Lake Placid (NY), Saratoga Springs (NY), Burlington (VT), West Lebanon (NH), North Conway (NH), Portsmouth (NH), and Hadley (MA). The EMS website remains under construction.
Image/Video Credits: Eastern Mountain Sports North Conway, Mountain Warehouse
