Taking on an iconic business

Young couple brings their vision for the future to new challenge

Sometimes in life the planets align and for Kane de Wit and Amy Boyd (pictured right) that’s exactly what happened. As they were looking for a new challenge and a business opportunity Arena Sports Store came on the market as long time owner of the 54 year old business, Michael Pitt, looked to start a new chapter in his life. “It really did just come up at the right time for us,” Kane said. Taking on the Commercial Street East business has been a balancing act for the couple – Kane being a key cog in the Pioneers Men’s program and Amy being a school teacher – but they have loved this new era in their lives.

“…it has definitely made it easier for us to come in and learn from them…” Kane de Wit

“We have rebranded the store as Arena Surf & Sports and we are looking to really expand the surf side of the business,” Kane said. The redesigned logo and new look colour scheme is just the beginning Taking on an iconic business Young couple brings their vision for the future to new challenge Advertorial •Arena Surf & Sports of the transformation but Kane and Amy realise for a business to last more than 50 years, so much of what it was doing must be right

“We are so lucky we have been able to keep Marianne (Walters) and Kellie (Elshaug) who have been at Arena for so long and know what customers want and what works and what doesn’t,” Kane said. “It has definitely made it easier for us to come in and learn from them.”

The new branding has brought a new look to Arena Surf & Sports but also looked to tell the story of the past and present as well with the business establishment date included, along with the representation of key Mount Gambier landmark, Centenary Tower.

Rip Curl will continue to be Arena’s flagship brand, but the duo is working hard on expanding the surf stock in store, from clothing to boards, from wetsuits to accessories and it is all housed in its own dedicated space at the rear of the store.

Kane brings a level of experience to his new role as business owner, having managed a fitness equipment business during his time in Adelaide and sees running his own business as a way of staying involved in his hometown community. And Arena Surf & Sports has already given ARENA SURF & SPORTS 78C Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier Email: [email protected] Find us on facebook Ph: (08)8725 7977 New website coming soon DECEMBER OPENING HOURS Monday – Wednesday & Friday – 9-5.30pm • Thursday – 9am-6pm • Saturday – 9am – 3pm • Sunday – 10am – 2pm WETSUITS • ROLLERSKATES • ACTIVE WEAR • FITNESS EQUIPMENT • SPORTING GOODS • ACCESSORIES back to the community, donating shoes to Uniting Communities Pride in Your Stride homelessness campaign earlier this year and also support a numb er of the region’s sporting clubs.

This month’s rebranding has been just the first step in what is a clear vision for the new Arena owners as they look to build on Michael Pitt’s success while creating their own future and ensuring the business not just survives but thrives.