After failing to find a buyer for their Fitchburg store, the owners of Rutabaga Paddlesports will close in December, according to a report by WMTV in Madison.
The store, located at 2620 Rimrock Road in Fitchburg, is owned by Darren and Stephanie Bush.
Darren Bush said the family searched for a new owner for more than a year, even exploring a sale with staff, but was unsuccessful.
“This is a tough time for traditional retail,” Bush told WMTV. “We face increasingly stiff competition from online giants like Amazon, while also competing with our own vendors, many of whom are selling directly to consumers.
“It’s a difficult environment for a specialty retailer that has built its reputation on service, expertise and the opportunity to try before you buy,” he said.
