Kayak Retailer Expands to Serve Regional Communities

Waterways, a paddle sports shop that originated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, has opened two additional concept store locations in partnership with Feelfree US, a national distributor of kayaks.

The two stores will offer kayaks and accessories designed for fishing and recreational use by Feelfree Kayaks, Seastream Kayaks, 3 Waters Kayaks and Jonny Boats. In addition to sales and rentals, the showrooms will be used as local hubs for hosting seminars, guest speakers and special events focusing on local recreational and fishing communities.

Additionally, the selection of the two regional locations was chosen on behalf of Feelfree US for the support of its brands and dealers. The centrally located stores will double as regional distribution centers for statewide dealers of all Feelfree US brands.

“The retail landscape has changed dramatically over the last several years – combined with the increased cost and timing associated with shipping,” said Jim Hager, owner of Feelfree US. “This distribution strategy is designed to mitigate costs and reduce the amount of time it takes dealers to obtain products for their customers.”

While all three store locations are designed to give customers and dealers easy access to all Feelfree US brands, the showrooms are a concept in nature. This gives customers, partners, dealers and employees an opportunity to familiarize themselves with all products in one individual location.

“We established these concept stores in partnership with Waterways to allow us to showcase all brands, models and accessories offered by Feelfree US,” said Joe Mongno, Retail Operations and Merchandising Director. “Moreover, it allows us to ramp up new and established dealers, both by example and also by allowing them to pick up fill-in orders and quickly see and add new products as they are made available.”

For more information, visit www.WaterwaysUSA.com