Water lifestyle brand launching aggressive store expansion

Bote is looking to make a splash in brick-and-mortar.

The company, which has expanded from stand-up paddleboards to inflatable kayaks, floating dock stations and more, plans to roll out stores in multiple markets across the United States.  

"We may be a Florida-based business, but our DNA is fused with Austin genes," said Corey Cooper, Bote CEO and co-founder. "Our mission is to Stand Apart and create a lifestyle experience with innovative and stylish products inspired by culture, community, art and music. Our Austin location may represent our first flagship foray outside the physical Florida market, but we've long since embraced the unique Austin perspective in our brand. I'm excited to bring our brand to Austin and be the outpost for the water lifestyle."

In addition, the locations also feature lounges serving the company’s own brews and host regular events to help people get out on the water. They also hold charitable events that support the local community.

To lead its expansion strategy, Bote has hired Devin Gillette as director of retail. Prior to joining the company in January, she was director of retail at Black Diamond Equipment.

“We are doing something different than your traditional retail," said Gillette. "Bote flagship locations are an experience where people can see and feel all that we stand for as a brand, hear the passion and knowledge of our staff, and get excited about the water lifestyle. The new stores are designed as hubs, offering events, networking and education, and we are honored to be joining these communities."

The accelerated expansion will kick off this summer, with the opening of a flagship in Austin, Texas. It will be the company’s first location outside of its Florida home base, where it currently operates four locations.

We may be a Florida-based business, but our DNA is fused with Austin genes," said Corey Cooper, CEO and co-founder, Bote. "Our mission is to Stand Apart and create a lifestyle experience with innovative and stylish products inspired by culture, community, art and music. Our Austin location may represent our first flagship foray outside the physical Florida market, but we've long since embraced the unique Austin perspective in our brand.”