Trader Bill’s announces merger
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports on Monday announced a merger with Southern Reel Outfitters of Little Rock, and while continuing to operate under the same name, will now offer more products and plans to open a second location next summer.
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports has offered Hot Springs a variety of products, from outdoor equipment to attire, since its opening in 1983.
In the works for about two years, Trader Bill’s Owner and CEO Mandy Short said “it just made sense” to merge with a company that is a lot like theirs, in order to offer a larger variety of products to customers.
“We make a good team and we’re able to offer more sporting goods, more selection, more products,” she said, noting additional clothing lines will also be available.
The two companies merged under the name “Innovative Outdoor Management LLC.”
In addition to the two current locations, which will keep their existing names, Innovative Outdoor Management plans to open
a third location in Little Rock under the name “Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports,” according to a news release.
“The new location will be a combination of each business’ unique strengths, and will include a boat dealership as well as an expanded offering of sports and outdoor equipment and clothing,” the release said. “This location will be in Little Rock near the intersection of I-30 and Otter Creek, and is expected to open in summer of 2021.”
Short said in the release that Trader Bill’s is pleased to combine their strengths to meet the demand of the marketplace.
“Arkansans deserve the same options and competitive pricing as big-box stores, but with the added trust and expertise of a locally owned store run by a team of industry leaders,” she said. “Both our locations are staffed with professional fishermen with over 100 years of combined experience. We also boast the only Master Yamaha Tech in Arkansas.”
The release notes both companies are “deeply embedded” in their communities, and will continue their commitment to supporting local organizations through board memberships, financial contributions and volunteerism.
“A sampling of the many organizations that benefit from their service are CARTI, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, Lake Maumelle Bass League, Arkansas State Parks, Relay for
Life and various high school fishing programs across the state,” according to the release.
Trader Bill’s was established in 1983 by local business owner Bill Elliott and acquired by Mandy and Reji Short in 2000. Southern Reel Outfitters was established in 2014 by local business owner Rodney Thomason.
“Together the two businesses bring unparalleled industry experience and expertise to deliver one of the largest outdoor sports dealers in Arkansas,” the release said.