We are catching up on the news that East Coast industry customer South Moon Under has been acquired by an investment company.
The retailer started more than 50 years ago as a surf shop in Ocean City, Maryland. It now has 25 stores along the East Coast from Connecticut to Florida and a growing online business.
The new owner is Ames Watson, a private holding company based in Columbia, Maryland. Ames Watson acquired large retail chain Lids from Genesco two years ago.
The investment company indicated that there is big growth ahead for South Moon Under.
“We see a tremendous opportunity to grow a brand with high recognition into a national store with a local approach,” Ames Watson Partner Lawrence Berger said in a statement.
Ames Watson plans to differentiate product between brick-and-mortar and online, including adding in-store exclusives.
Currently, South Moon Under carries brands such as Billabong, RVCA, Z Supply, Vissla, Amuse Society, L*Space, Frankie’s Bikinis, Maaji, and many others, according to its website
