Fishing retailer makes a splash with tenth store opening
YORKSHIRE-based Fishing Republic has cast its net further with its tenth store opening in the West Midlands.
The retailer’s growth has continued apace since it floated on the Alternative Investment Market last year and is now set to reel in customers in Birmingham.
The fast-expanding business has taken a 5,303 sq ft unit at Portway Garage on Old Alcester Road, close to Junction 3 of the M42.
Fishing Republic, which has its headquarters in Rotherham, has seen its share price double in the last month or so as it continues to develop a UK-wide network of outlets, bringing size and consolidation to what it says is a highly fragmented sector.
The latest expansion represents a £500,000 investment by Fishing Republic, which will also create a small number of jobs.
The Birmingham store now joins others in Barnsley, Crewe, Doncaster, Hull, Manchester, Sheffield, Sunderland and Swindon.
Chief executive Steve Gross said: “The Portway site appealed because, being close to the motorway, it is easy to get to.
“It is in a big fishing area and the south side of Birmingham didn’t have a large format store, so it was an ideal location.”
The group sells over 20,000 products catering for all disciplines of the sport including coarse, carp, game and sea fishing. It has developed several ranges of own brand products which are manufactured in the Far East, and also has a major internet presence.
Mr Gross said: “Fishing has been my hobby since the age of five, when I used to go with my father to Ladybower reservoir in Derwent valley in Derbyshire.
“I started fly-tying when I was about seven and then set up a fly-tying business aged 13. Since then I haven’t looked back and fishing and the business of selling fishing tackle have remained my passions.”
Fishing Republic was incorporated in 1991 and opened its first retail outlet in 1999.
It is due to announce in mid-April its maiden preliminary results for the financial year ended December 31, 2015.
In a trading statement in February the company said it expected turnover to come in approximately 21% ahead of the same period last year at around £4.1m.
Property agents John Truslove advised Fishing Republic on the Birmingham letting.
