One week ago, SGB Executive covered the pending closure of Madison, Wisconsin’s iconic Rutabaga Paddlesports, after more than fifty years in business. Owner Darren Bush has now reconsidered and is seeking a buyer for the store.
In an e-blast and social media post last night, October 16, Bush said that after announcing on September 21 plans to close the store and step away from retail after 30 years to pursue a career as a hospice chaplain, he “was approached by a number of individuals who share a passion for paddling, the outdoors and the community we’ve built together. Their message: ‘Please reconsider closing, we love Rutabaga.’”
He added, “After careful thought and heartfelt conversations with many mentors, I’ve realized that there is a path forward for Rutabaga that does not end with the doors closing…I am pleased to let you know that, instead of winding down operations, Stephanie and I are now pursuing selling and keeping it alive for the next generation.”
In his initial September 21 note, Bush was committed to shuttering the retail store, believing he would not be able to find someone to manage the operation up to Rutabaga’s standards. He wrote, “I did explore other options. I looked into selling the business, finding someone to take it over. Honestly, I couldn’t find a way to ensure that it would continue at the same standard. I’ve seen too many businesses purchased and run into the ground, and it’s ugly, so I’d rather close on a high note than see what we’ve created diminished. We just hit 995 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. That doesn’t just happen. The Rutabaga staff are the best people I know, and I am truly grateful for all of them.”…