Kitty Hawk Kites and Kitty Hawk Sports Fly Together Again
February 2010 – Ralph Buxton has announced that he has sold the Kitty Hawk Sports business and his interest in Jockey’s Ridge Crossing Shopping Center to John M. Harris and Kitty Hawk Kites effective January 29, 2010.
Started by Harris and Buxton, both Kitty Hawk Kites and Kitty Hawk Sports were under the same ownership until 1990 when they were split into two separately owned enterprises. The current acquisition by Kitty Hawk Kites is a reunification of two businesses with similar recreation and retail heritages. Kitty Hawk Kites intends to merchandise and market Kitty Hawk Sports in the same fashion that it has operated in recent times, i.e., with a surf, watersports, and outdoor flavor unique to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Buxton said: “I am very proud of the contributions that the Kitty Hawk Sports team has made to the Outer Banks community and tourist industry over the past 29 years. We have strived to provide our customers an outstanding shopping and recreation experience. I wish all the best to all my friends and associates and want to assure you that I am here to help assure a smooth transition. It has been a great ride and a dream come true to be able to live on the Outer Banks and raise a family here while earning a living in a fun business.
I am grateful that I will now have more time to be able to pursue the outdoor sports and lifestyle that I have been promoting for the past 36 years. I will continue to live here and be active in the community. I believe that this acquisition provides new synergies, strengthens Kitty Hawk Sports, and presents opportunities for both businesses.”
