After just over three decades in the paddlesports business, Clavey Paddlesports, based in Petaluma, Calif., is throwing in the towel. Owner Jeff Kellogg posted that he is “headed for the sunset,” thanking all of their customers, friends, and associates for all of the years of support.” He made the announcement along with one touting clearance sale pricing, with plans to shutter the longstanding paddlesports retailer by spring. “The shop has been a huge part of our lives, and we’ll miss all of the customers who’ve become friends over the years, but we’re ready to move on,” he says. “We’ll be around for a few more months getting rid of inventory etc., so stop on by and say hi. With luck you’ll see more of us on the water in the coming year.”
We caught up with Kellogg for more on the state of the industry, his future plans, and what made the shop so successful over the years.
Paddling Life: When and why did you start Clavey?
Kellogg: Clavey Equipment (the original company name) was a rafting equipment distributor that was owned by a river outfitter. I was hired as sales manager in 1989, and put together a deal to buy the business along with a partner in 1994. It was renamed Clavey River Equipment, and as our offerings expanded—we diversified into kayaks, sups, tours and lessons—it became known as Clavey Paddlesports.
What were you doing beforehand?
Kellogg: Prior to this I had been a river guide and been attending school where I studied recreation administration/business.
Paddling Life: What were some of the keys to your success for 30 years?
Kellogg: Some of the keys to our longevity and success I’d like to think was putting in a lot of hours promoting our sport (back in the day when boat shows/demo days were happening), recognizing trends (anyone remember how popular SUP was?), and really trying to make sure our customers got matched up with the best boat and gear that met their needs. In all the disciplines we specialized in, we found that we built a loyal base by doing that and many customers would return to replace and/or upgrade their gear.
Paddling Life: What were some of your best-selling categories and/or products?
Kellogg: Our best-selling gear really varied by the year, sometimes it was rafting packages, or maybe fishing kayaks, sups, etc. They each had their day.
Paddling Life: How big was your online biz?
Kellogg: At one time our online business contributed a significant amount of revenue, but we saw that shrink as larger companies that did not have the burden of operating a brick-and-mortar shop began to take online market share. We didn’t have the luxury of having staff dedicated to maintaining our website and marketing and so that part of our business shrank.
Paddling Life: How has the industry changes since you started?
Kellogg: The industry has changed a fair amount in the 32-plus years I’ve been involved. Boats and gear have become a lot more entry-level friendly bringing more people into the sport. It’s been encouraging to see an effort to make paddling accessible to a more diverse set of people but I think we still have a way to go. From a business standpoint, I think the relationship between vendors and shops needs to be clarified, and I know there are efforts to do that but I’m not sure the big players are on board. I stopped stocking parts for a manufacturer’s boats because they started competing directly with me. Manufacturers undercutting dealers by offering direct sales and discounts will change the industry forever and not in a good way.
Paddling Life: What are you going to do once it closes?
Kellogg: I’m looking forward to not being tied down to the shop—owning a small business means you’re never really off the clock. I’d like to spend more time rediscovering the wonders of paddling—and getting more time on the river. Before Clavey I had actually entered school to get a teaching credential—so I’m looking at getting back into that by substitute teaching next year.