After 25 years selling hot tubs and spas across Tampa Bay, the owners of Tampa Bay Spas have sold their three-store business to Watson’s, a Cincinnati-based home recreation retailer with plans to grow its national chain past 50 locations within the next 12 to 18 months.
The deal, announced Monday, October 26, gives Watson’s its first stores in the Tampa Bay market, with locations in Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland set to take on the Watson’s name over the next six months. The purchase brings the retailer to 42 corporate and franchise locations nationwide, including seven in Florida. Financial terms were not disclosed.
For Dave Corson, one of Tampa Bay Spas’ owners, the sale comes a quarter-century after the business opened in 2001 and began building its customer base around Hot Spring spas. Its new owner has been around since 1968 and sells everything from hot tubs and swimming pools to patio furniture, billiards and game room equipment.
“After 25 years, we would like to thank all of our customers for believing in us, and we look forward to continuing to provide each and every one of you with the best possible service we can, as we move into the future with the Watson’s organization,” Corson said.
Watson’s had already been buying its way into Florida before reaching Tampa Bay, acquiring Sarasota Hot Springs and Recreational Warehouse as part of its expansion into the state. The company plans to grow beyond 75 corporate and franchise locations over the next several years through additional acquisitions and new store openings.
The announcement did not say whether employees, management or product offerings at the three Tampa Bay Spas locations would change under Watson’s ownership. Cincinnati-based Katz Teller and Clark Schaefer assisted with the transaction.