Watermarque, a popular aquatics retail outlet in Yeovil, Somerset, is being rebranded as part of a new ownership arrangement.

Southern Aquatics has taken over the store from J&K Aquatics. The shop will continue to function as normal but will be rebranded as a branch of Southern Aquatics.

The store was previously operated by J&K Aquatics as a separate entity to its wholesale business, after the site came into the company’s ownership as part of a trading debt around 35 years ago.

J&K Aquatics managing director Paul James said: “While retail is where we started, J&K’s focus has always been on our wholesale operation.

“With a large portfolio of products and some large pillar brands to promote and sell, we need to devote our time and management resources to the wholesale side of the business and making that as good as possible. 

“In the last few years, it has become difficult for us to dedicate enough time or resources to the retail side of the business to make it successful, and Southern Aquatics were searching for another retail store, so they approached us.

“It’s a win-win situation for all involved: J&K, Southern and the long-standing staff at the Yeovil store. We look forward to the next step in our relationship with Southern Aquatics.”