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J onesboro, AR-based Gearhead Outfitters, which operates 10 stores, has acquired Chattanooga, TN-based Rock/Creek Outfitters and Chicago-based Uncle Dan's from publicly traded Camping World Holdings, parent of the Gander Outdoors banner. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. e deals will add 14 more outdoor specialty locations to Gearhead's retail portfolio. Camping World acquired Uncle Dan's, with its six stores in the Chicagoland market, one in Glendale, WI and an e-commerce business, in Oct. 2017 for $7.5 million cash plus $800,000 in con- sideration for debt and a line of credit. e acquisition, along with other out- door specialty acquisitions by Camping World, including Erehwon Mountain Outfitter, were supposed to help the RV giant develop an outdoor merchandising strategy for its broader Gander business. In April 2018, the eight-store Rock/ Creek Outfitters chain, the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance's Retailer of the Year in 2011, 2013 and 2014, was purchased for $5.2 million by Camping World. Gearhead Outfitters was founded in 1972 by Ted Herget, who wanted to bring the active mountain lifestyle to his hometown. In a statement, Hergert said, "The opportunity to acquire Rock/ Creek and Uncle Dan's has provided a unique opportunity for all three brands to align under those values as a family of outdoor specialty retailers. Our highest priority is to maintain the integrity of these companies, the brands we carry, and to expand the influence of the out- door industry." n Uncle Dan's and Rock/Creek Sold by Camping World New President At Merrell KRENZIEN, KRENZIEN & ASSOCIATES INC. the sporting goods professionals eight decades of excellent service! Please call us regarding representation in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, Texas & Mountain States. 425 Huehl Road, Bldg. 1 Northbrook, IL 60062 P: (847) 498-0400 F: (847) 498-0449 Skype: ron.isaacskka ronisaacs@krenzien.com sportsinsightmag.com September/October 2019 Sports Insight • 15 IN THE MARKET/OUTDOOR C hris Hufnagel will head the Merrell brand following the departure of Sue Rechner, parent company Wolverine World Wide announced. Hufnagel most recently ser ved as global brand president of Wolverine's Cat Footwear brand. In his new position, he will continue to report to Todd Spaletto, President of Wolverine Michigan Group. "Chris took aggressive action to help the Cat Footwear team rapidly evolve its growth and go-to-market strategies," Spaletto said in a statement. "His demon- strated collaboration and partnerships within Wolverine, coupled with deep apparel and lifestyle brand experience, make him an ideal fit to build on the strong foundation already in place at Merrell." Hufnagel's earlier roles at Wolverine include president of consumer direct, SVP and head of corporate strategy and co-chief transformation office for the company's Wolverine Way Forward strategic initiative. "I'm excited to join the team as we work together to build amazing products, tell compelling stories, drive accelerated growth around the world, and continu helping everyone experience the power of the trail," Hufnagel said. n New Grassroots Members Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, ahead of its Connect buying show (Nov. 1-5 in Denver), has added six members to bring its total to 74 covering 144 doors nationwide. The new members are: High Country Outfitters in Atlanta; Jax Mercantile in La Porte, CO; Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, CO; Mountain Sports in Arlington, TX; Tahoe Mountain Sports in Truckee, CA; and Walkabout Outfitter in Lexington, VA.