Hot Springs business announces merger

HOT SPRINGS — Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports on Monday announced a merger with Southern Reel Outfitters of Little Rock.

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.

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.”

In addition to the two locations, which will keep their 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 Trader Bill’s is pleased to combine their strengths to meet the demand of the marketplace.

“Together the two businesses bring unparalleled industry experience and expertise to deliver one of the largest outdoor sports dealers in Arkansas,” the release said.