OvareVentures is expanding its retail presence and adding to its outdoor portfolio with the purchase of Massachusetts-based Kenver, Ltd., a sportswear boutique and outdoor retail hub with a storied history
Founded in 1959 by the late sportsman and skier Ken Vermeulen, Kenver specializes in best-in-category sports equipment, including skis, bikes, snowboards, and ice skates. Kenver also sells seasonal designer sporting apparel and footwear and features a dedicated bootery cellar with expert fitting specialists as well as a curated collection of inviting artisan wares and home accessories. Kenver backs all of its products and services with a 100% guarantee.
Kenver’s historic building was built in 1731 as a stagecoach stop. It maintains its ambiance with fireplaces and antiques. Kenver has twice been named “Best of New England” in the Ski, Snowboard and Cross-Country Shop Awards presented by New England Winter Sports Representatives, Inc. (NEWSR).
With an extensive retail background, Kenver President Lucinda Vermeulen has been instrumental in Kenver’s growth and success since 1983. “We’re thrilled to be joining the OvareVentures family,” noted Vermeulen. “The team has already proven invaluable in bringing new ideas, and we’re eager to take advantage of their extensive marketing resources as well as the synergies with their other outdoor brands.”
OvareGroup Chairman and CEO Jordan F. Reber noted, “We are fully committed to the outdoor space, and Kenver is an important asset as we expand both eCommerce and physical retail as avenues to showcase our unique outdoor brands.”
“We see opportunity for Kenver to serve as a hub for all things outdoor and I’m excited to welcome them in to OvareVentures’ expanding portfolio of assets,” added Kara Anastasiadis, President OvareGroup Outdoor.
OvareVentures is part of OvareGroup, a private holding company that brings together a venture capital firm with specialty firms in content development, marketing technology and strategic services. OvareVentures has been actively expanding its portfolio of outdoor brands through acquisition, investment, and the launch of direct-to-consumer brands, including:
- Baddle, a line of pickleball apparel and gear
- Bridge Bikeworks, a handmade carbon bike manufacturer
- Pulse Boot Lab and Ski Company, an exclusive ski and boot boutique, and developer of a custom ski boot fitting system
- Sport Casuals International, a global sports apparel design and manufacturing company
- BE Outfitter, an innovative outdoor gear company
- Gull Lake Boat Works, builder of custom wooden canoes and kayaks
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