Specialty Sports Venture, the retail division of Vail Resorts, has acquired Hoigaard’s, a Minneapolis-based retailer in the outdoor equipment and apparel industry. Terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1895, Hoigaard’s in 1960 expanded from its historical roots in the tent and awning business to become one of the first ski stores in the Midwest. Located outside of Minneapolis in St. Louis Park, this 20,000 square-foot store is now a specialty provider of snow sports equipment in the region featuring both equipment and clothing for skiers and snowboarders, as well as Nordic gear during the winter months. It also sells bikes, paddle sports and camping gear in the summer months.
“We are thrilled to be adding such a premier and beloved outdoor specialty store in the Twin Cities area to our retail family,” said Kat Jobanputra, COO at Specialty Sports Venture. “Hoigaard’s has a stellar reputation and their commitment to outstanding selection, product knowledge and unparalleled customer service, are perfectly aligned with the qualities that define the Specialty Sports Venture culture and philosophy.”
Not much will change after the acquisition: Specialty Sports Venture is a snow sports retailer with a collection of more than 170 individually-styled ski, snowboard, bike, golf and fly fishing shops located throughout Colorado, northern California, Utah, Nevada, and Wisconsin. The company plans to retain the Hoigaard’s name, while president Todd Brewer, married to a fourth generation member of the Hoigaard’s family, will remain with the company along with the majority of existing employees.
“The opportunity to be aligned with companies like Vail Resorts and Specialty Sports Venture will allow us to continue to grow and prosper,” explained Brewer. “We have the same values for employees and customers and that’s very important to us,” he added.
