Retail Acquisitions in New Jersey

GALLS, a leading distributor of uniforms and equipment for public safety professionals, has acquired Action Uniform Co., a regional distributor headquartered in Pleasantville, New Jersey. The deal expands GALLS' New Jersey footprint by adding four retail locations and a distribution center, retaining Action Uniform's ~40 employees and strengthening rapid deployment and service capabilities for law enforcement, fire, EMS and other public-safety customers.

Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners have completed the acquisition of The Vitamin Shoppe from Franchise Group, Inc. The deal returns Sharon Leite as CEO and positions the company for growth through brand-building, enhanced e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities, and private-brand innovation across its omnichannel retail footprint.

Mid-Shore Meats of Toms River has purchased Lasolas Market & Deli in Normandy Beach, New Jersey from the long-time family owners. The buyer intends to operate the market in line with prior seasons while introducing specialty products; former owners and key staff will remain on site through the 2025 season to ensure a smooth transition. The acquisition expands Mid-Shore Meats' presence in Ocean County.

Soccer Post management, led by CEO Blake Sonnek-Schmelz, acquired a majority stake in Soccer Post from TZP Group with financial backing from York Private Equity and unnamed soccer-specific strategic investors. The deal gives management control while York Private Equity will support the Company's continued growth across its 60+ U.S. store footprint and e-commerce channel; financial terms were not disclosed.

Sports Endeavors, the owner of Soccer.com and a portfolio company of Seawall Capital, has acquired Ewing Sports, a New Jersey–based regional soccer specialty retailer and custom apparel-package supplier. The deal expands Sports Endeavors' presence in the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic while integrating Ewing Sports' founders and local operations into the broader Soccer.com platform.

OneWater Marine Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire the net assets of Garden State Yacht Sales, a full-service marina and boat dealer in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. The acquisition — for minimal capital outlay — expands OneWater's presence in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. and bolsters its new and pre-owned boat sales, finance, parts and service capabilities; Garden State generated approximately $14.0 million in sales in 2023.

Kinbow LLC has acquired a majority stake in Ashley Stewart, Inc. from ASI Holdco, LLC. Kinbow — an affiliate of RA Capital owned by Ram Ajjarapu — plans to continue operating Ashley Stewart's brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce business and retain the retailer's management team as it expands its position in the value fashion retail market.

New York City-based Shoppers World, owned by the Dushey family, has acquired discount retailer Forman Mills from its prior owner, helping the chain avoid an expected Chapter 11 filing and preserving store operations and jobs. The undisclosed-price deal will expand Shoppers World's retail footprint and keep all Forman Mills locations open, including Reopening a Philadelphia store previously slated to close.

Camping World Holdings announced it will acquire Hitch RV, a regional RV dealer with three locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The deal — expected to close in Q3 2023 — expands Camping World into Delaware (its 43rd state) and strengthens its market positions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; Hitch RV management (including Tim Waters) will join Camping World’s team.

TZP Group has made a growth investment in Soccer Post, the largest local-market-focused omni-channel soccer specialty retailer in the U.S., to support the company's national expansion across e-commerce, physical stores, and institutional channels. Soccer star Alex Morgan also joined as an investor and brand ambassador to support community engagement and future store ownership.

OneWater Marine Inc. agreed to acquire the assets of Stone Harbor Marina from owner Tom Russell to expand its presence in the northeastern United States. The acquisition adds new and pre-owned boat sales, service and repair, storage and marina operations — Stone Harbor generated approximately $35 million in trailing twelve-month sales — and is expected to close in OneWater’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2021.

Sycamore Partners, through affiliate Premium Apparel LLC, completed the purchase of the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey and Lane Bryant brands from ascena retail group as part of Ascena’s Chapter 11 restructuring. Premium Apparel committed to retaining a substantial portion of the brands’ retail stores, associates and corporate operations as Sycamore expands its retail portfolio.

Dufry AG Group, Hudson’s controlling shareholder, agreed to acquire all outstanding Hudson shares it does not already own for $7.70 per Class A share, taking Hudson private and delisting it from the NYSE. The transaction (approved by Hudson’s independent special committee and Dufry’s board) aims to reintegrate Hudson into Dufry to facilitate execution of their travel retail strategy and is expected to close in Q4 2020 subject to customary approvals and financing conditions.