Retail giant Walmart has announced the sale of Moosejaw, an e-commerce outdoor retailer, to Dick’s Sporting Goods, six years after purchasing it for $51 million. The financial terms of the deal, which is expected to be finalized in March, have not been disclosed. Walmart’s acquisition of Moosejaw in 2017 was seen as a move to bolster the company’s e-commerce offerings and expand its presence in the apparel market.
While Moosejaw operated as a standalone business, Walmart’s customer reach and scale helped the company to grow significantly. Moosejaw’s e-commerce platform sells outdoor apparel and gear and operates brick-and-mortar locations in several states, including Michigan, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. The company has a loyal customer base, which Dick’s is likely hoping to tap into with the acquisition.
Todd Spaletto, the President of Public Lands and a Senior Vice President at Dick’s, praised Moosejaw’s accomplishments over the past three decades and expressed excitement about the opportunity to work with the company. “We believe there’s potential to grow the Moosejaw business and provide compelling experiences and an expanded product assortment to its millions of loyal customers,” he said in a press release.
The sale of Moosejaw is the latest indication that Walmart may be struggling to integrate direct-to-consumer brands into its larger business. The company has purchased and sold several e-commerce brands in recent years, including ModCloth, Bare Necessities, and ShoeBuy. The sale of Moosejaw to Dick’s indicates that the latter may be looking to grow its e-commerce channels while also getting access to a loyal customer base.
In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its assortment and expertise in the specialty outdoor category. “We’re excited about this new opportunity for Moosejaw to reach even more athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in its mission to make the outdoors more inclusive,” the spokesperson said.
