Nat's Outdoor Sports

What Nat's Outdoor Sports does

Nat's Outdoor Sports is a privately held, family-owned outdoor recreation retailer headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, operating a single retail store at 1121 Wilkinson Trace. Founded by Nat Love in 1971 as L&M Bookstore on the Western Kentucky University campus, the business pivoted into outdoor retail in 1973 with the addition of a bike shop, eventually becoming Nat's Outdoor Sports after multiple expansions into its current multi-department format. The company is currently owned and operated by Lisa Martens, Nat Love's daughter, who took ownership in 2011.

The store's product assortment is organized across six retail categories — Sportswear, Outerwear, Footwear, Gear, Kayaks and Canoes, and a Bike Shop — aggregating over 50 premium brand partnerships including Trek, Electra, The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, YETI, Osprey, Hydro Flask, Garmin, Salomon, Hoka One One, On Running, Brooks England, Old Town Canoes and Kayaks, Hobie, and Black Diamond. The business is also the only official Trek and Electra Bicycles dealer in Bowling Green and operates a full-service bicycle repair and custom-fitting department with a Shimano Certified Mechanic on staff. The core technology layer consists of a basic retail storefront with an accompanying Squarespace-based e-commerce website for browsing by brand and category; there is no proprietary platform or notable technology differentiation.

Nat's Outdoor Sports generates revenue through in-store and online merchandise sales (hardware sales model) across apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, bikes, kayaks, and canoes, supplemented by paid bicycle services such as repairs, tune-ups, custom fitting, and the "Nat's Advantage Plan" offering lifetime frame guarantees. The store serves outdoor enthusiasts, Bowling Green community members, and WKU students primarily through a direct-to-consumer model anchored on physical retail, expert staff consultation, and community reputation rather than digital marketing. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and revenue figures are not reported as the company is privately held with no institutional investment or parent company.

Name

Nat's Outdoor Sports

Legal name

Nat's Outdoor Sports

Website

https://natsoutdoor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Nat's Outdoor Sports is a privately held, family-owned single-location outdoor recreation retailer in Bowling Green, KY, selling apparel, footwear, gear, bicycles, kayaks, and canoes across 50+ premium brands to local residents and Western Kentucky University students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Recreation Retail

NAICS

Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tents, Shelters & Sleep Systems Retail (CRAMAMAH), Outdoor Travel Gear (Duffels, Packs, Dry Bags) Retail (CRAMAAAI)

Keywords

• Outdoor sporting goods
• Bicycle retail
• Outdoor apparel
• Paddlesports equipment
• Bike repair services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bowling Green

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Retail merchandise sales: Physical retail store selling outdoor gear, apparel, footwear, bikes, kayaks, and canoes. Revenue generated through in-store purchases and online orders.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Nat's Outdoor Sports is a single-location brick-and-mortar outdoor recreation retailer in Bowling Green, KY selling sportswear, outerwear, footwear, outdoor gear, kayaks and canoes, and a full-service bike shop carrying Trek and Electra bicycles with professional fitting, assembly, and repair services. The store also operates an e-commerce website for product browsing and supports a community Bikes for Kids program that has refurbished and donated over 4,000 bicycles to underprivileged children.

Product overview

Nat's Outdoor Sports is a single-location outdoor recreation retail store founded in 1973, offering a curated selection of outdoor gear through distinct product categories: Sportswear, Outerwear, Footwear, Gear, Kayaks and Canoes, and a Bike Shop. The store operates as a specialized outdoor retailer rather than a unified platform, with individual brand-specific sub-pages for customers to browse products by brand such as Trek, The North Face, Patagonia, Garmin, and others. The company also provides full-service bicycle sales and repairs through authorized Trek and Electra dealerships, along with kayaks and canoes for various paddling activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sportswear Retail category offering athletic and casual sportswear clothing for outdoor activities, available in-store at the Bowling Green location.
• Outerwear Retail category offering weather-resistant outerwear including jackets and rain gear for outdoor protection, available in-store.
• Footwear Retail category offering outdoor footwear including hiking boots, sandals, running shoes, and casual shoes from multiple premium brands such as Merrell, Keen, Chaco, Teva, Birkenstock, Salomon, Lowa, Hoka One One, On Running, Saucony, ASICS, Altra, Clarks, and Brooks.
• Gear Retail category offering general outdoor gear and equipment including backpacks, hydration systems, water bottles, portable power, GPS, camping essentials, fishing apparel, and accessories from brands such as Osprey, Hydro Flask, YETI, Garmin, Black Diamond, CamelBak, MSR, Mystery Ranch, NEMO, Therm-a-Rest, Goal Zero, Eagle Creek, Platypus, SealLine, Grayl, and AfterShokz.
• Kayaks and Canoes Retail category offering kayaks and canoes for leisure, fishing, rapids, and other paddling activities, including Old Town canoes/kayaks and Hobie boats and accessories. Backed by 40+ years of paddlesports sales experience at the Bowling Green store.
• Bicycle Sales Retail offering of Trek Bicycles and Electra Bicycles as the only official dealer of both brands in Bowling Green. Assortment includes Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Lifestyle Bikes, Cruising Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, and additional makes/models that can be special-ordered through General Manager Mike Bunch. Each purchase includes the Nat's Advantage Plan: custom bike fitting, professional assembly, and lifetime frame guarantee.
• Bicycle Repair and Tune-Up Service Full-service bicycle repair and tune-up performed by a Shimano Certified Mechanic on staff, including brake adjustment, tire pressure optimization, wheel truing, chain maintenance, and derailleur adjustment. Available to any cyclist, not only those who purchased from the store.
• Bicycle Accessories Retail offering of bicycle accessories including helmets (Bell, Giro), seats, pumps, cycling clothing (PEARL iZUMi), wheels, GPS tracking systems (Garmin), brakes, components (Shimano, Bontrager), pedals, and car racks (Yakima).

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

59 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Trek BicyclescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1973Only official dealer of Trek Bicycles in Bowling Green, KY. Nat's carries a wide assortment of Trek road bikes, mountain bikes, and more with full service support.
• Electra BicyclescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1973Only official dealer of Electra Bicycles in Bowling Green, KY. Offers lifestyle bikes and cruising bikes as part of their bicycle selection.
• PEARL iZUMiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries PEARL iZUMi bicycle clothing and accessories as part of their cycling gear selection.
• BellminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Bell cycling helmets as part of their bicycle accessories selection.
• GirominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Giro helmets and cycling gear as part of their bicycle accessories selection.
• BontragerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Bontrager bicycle components and accessories as part of their Trek-affiliated product line.
• The North FaceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of The North Face outdoor apparel and gear.
• PatagoniaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Patagonia outdoor apparel and gear.
• MSR (Mountain Safety Research)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries MSR outdoor equipment and gear including camping essentials.
• Brooks EnglandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Brooks running footwear and cycling saddles.
• Old Town Canoes and KayaksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Old Town Canoes and Kayaks with 40+ years of selling these products.
• HobieminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Hobie boats and accessories for kayaking and paddlesports.
• Osprey PacksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Osprey backpacks and outdoor packs.
• Hydro FlaskminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Hydro Flask water bottles and hydration products.
• YETIminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of YETI coolers and outdoor products.
• GarminminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Garmin watches, GPS systems, and outdoor computers.
• Black Diamond EquipmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Black Diamond climbing gear and equipment.
• CamelBakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries CamelBak hydration packs and water bottles.
• SalomonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Salomon footwear and outdoor gear.
• MerrellminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Merrell footwear for outdoor activities.
• KeenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Keen footwear and outdoor shoes.
• ChacominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Chaco sandals and footwear.
• TevaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Teva sandals and outdoor footwear.
• BirkenstockminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Birkenstock sandals and footwear.
• Columbia SportswearminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Columbia apparel and outdoor clothing.
• PranaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Prana sustainable climbing and yoga apparel.
• SmartwoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Smartwool socks and merino wool apparel.
• VuoriminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Vuori athletic wear and performance apparel.
• ObozminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Oboz outdoor footwear.
• Hoka One OneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Hoka One One running and hiking footwear.
• On RunningminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of On Running shoes.
• SauconyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Saucony running footwear.
• ASICSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of ASICS athletic footwear.
• AltraminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Altra running and training footwear.
• Simms FishingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Simms fishing apparel and gear.
• KuhlminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Kuhl outdoor and lifestyle apparel.
• Mystery RanchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Mystery Ranch backpacks and outdoor gear.
• NEMO EquipmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries NEMO camping gear and outdoor equipment.
• Therm-a-RestminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads and camping gear.
• Mountain KhakisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Mountain Khakis outdoor lifestyle apparel.
• Royal RobbinsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Royal Robbins outdoor apparel.
• Outdoor ResearchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Outdoor Research outdoor apparel and accessories.
• SalewaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Salewa mountaineering and climbing gear.
• PackTowlminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries PackTowl quick-drying towels and outdoor accessories.
• PlatypusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Platypus hydration systems and water bottles.
• SealLineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries SealLine waterproof cases and dry bags.
• GraylminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Grayl water filters and purifiers.
• Goal ZerominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Goal Zero portable power and solar products.
• Eagle CreekminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Eagle Creek travel gear and luggage.
• ClarksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Clarks footwear and casual shoes.
• FeeturesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Feetures performance socks.
• SuperfeetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Superfeet insoles and footbeds.
• OofosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Oofos recovery footwear.
• BuffminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries Buff multifunctional headwear and accessories.
• AstralminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Astral outdoor footwear.
• AfterShokzminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries AfterShokz bone conduction headphones.
• YakimaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer of Yakima car racks and bike carriers.
• KAVUminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarries KAVU outdoor lifestyle apparel and accessories.
• Lowa BootsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized retailer of Lowa hiking boots and outdoor footwear.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Dick's Sporting Goods: National big-box sporting goods chain carrying bikes, outdoor gear, footwear, and apparel from many of the same brands as Nat's. Comparable product mix but competes on price and convenience, putting margin pressure on independent specialty retailers.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Multi-category sporting goods retailer with strong presence across the South/Mid-South. Overlaps with Nat's on outdoor gear, footwear, and bikes but operates at much larger scale with value-oriented positioning.
• Bass Pro Shops: Largest US specialty outdoor retailer (including Cabela's) with broad assortment in hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, and apparel. Overlaps with Nat's on paddlesports and outdoor gear categories, though much more hunting/fishing oriented.
• REI Co-op: National outdoor cooperative retailing premium outdoor brands (many overlapping with Nat's brand portfolio) plus cycling services. Comparable assortment and cycling service offerings, but at vastly greater scale and with broader geographic footprint.

Emerging players

• Backcountry.com: DTC-focused outdoor e-commerce retailer (acquired by REI in 2024) carrying many of the same premium brands as Nat's (Patagonia, The North Face, Salomon, Hoka, etc.). Represents a competitive threat to Nat's local assortment and pricing.

Direct peers

• Sun & Ski Sports: Multi-store outdoor and action sports retailer with strong Southeast US presence, carrying premium outdoor and athletic brands. Comparable in product mix (apparel, footwear, bikes, outdoor gear) and target customer to Nat's, though operating at greater scale.
• Appalachian Outfitters: Independent outdoor retailer serving Kentucky and surrounding Appalachian region with multi-brand outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear. Highly comparable regional footprint, customer base, and assortment mix.
• Great Outdoor Provision Co. Independent outdoor specialty retailer based in North Carolina with multiple locations. Comparable multi-brand outdoor assortment and mission-driven independent positioning similar to Nat's family-owned model.
• Rock/Creek Outfitters: Specialty outdoor retailer in Chattanooga, TN carrying premium outdoor brands (Patagonia, The North Face, YETI, etc.) plus paddlesports. Directly comparable to Nat's in curating premium outdoor brands for a regional Southern market with strong service expertise.
• Massey's Outfitters: Family-run outdoor and footwear specialty retailer headquartered in Nashville, TN, with multi-location stores across the Mid-South. Closely comparable to Nat's in assortment (outdoor apparel, footwear, gear) and bike-adjacent service orientation, serving overlapping regional customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NATSOUTDOOR
• Xx.com/natsoutdoor
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nats-outdoor-sports

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nat's Outdoor Sports