Author: By Christian LeDuc – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier
A recently shuttered suburban outdoor store will rebrand and debut in a new Cincinnati neighborhood this coming spring.
Arrow Adventure’s last day in downtown Lebanon was Sept. 28. The company called 44 E. Mulberry St. home since May 2023. It is rebranding to Arrow Outpost and plans to reopen in Pleasant Ridge in the first half of next year.
The retailer and bar specializes in selling new and used outdoor gear and offered classes along with various community events including nature walks and bike rides. Founder Niki Marengo and business partner Matt Healy, director of development for Dev.phase, a web development company, loved serving the Lebanon community but felt their concept would thrive closer to Cincinnati’s urban core.
“The goal is to be in the city to serve more diverse populations that might not have the access,” Marengo told me.
Pleasant Ridge proved the right fit. The sense of community and the development plans in the neighborhood solidified their decision. In May, the Pleasant Ridge Development Corp. announced plans for a mixed-use project at a key intersection. And earlier this year, a nearby $20 million mixed-use development called the Ridge opened for leasing.
The business partners connected with 3CRE’s Nick Pesola, who showed them a 3,350-square-foot space at 3138 Losantiville Ave. The storefront used to be home to Apricot Coffee House, which debuted in 2019 and closed in 2021.
Arrow Outpost signed a three-year lease with landlord Gene Levental. This will be the team’s first major renovation. Marengo said Levental is contributing to the project, but she did not disclose the amount. She anticipates the investment will be about $100,000.
Construction has not started, but the goal is to open by spring 2026. MA Design is the architect for the project, according to Marengo.
The space is about 650 square feet larger than the original spot, which inspired Marengo and Healy to expand their offerings and rebrand the business as Arrow Outpost. The new location will have a larger bar that focuses on local craft beer, wine and cocktails. There will also be a bigger stage for live music, classes, presentations and more.
In addition, Arrow Outpost will have a kitchen that serves sandwiches and snacks.
“The bagels will be legendary,” Healy told me.
The new location will still offer new and used gear, but customers will notice a difference.
“We are changing our model of consignment to buy out,” Marengo said. “It’s easier for people to come in and sell their gear right up front and then walk out with cash.”
This will also allow her staff to be more selective about the items Arrow Outpost curates. In Marengo and Healy’s vision, the new spot will serve as a third space for the community, and its approachability will help make outdoor exploration more accessible.
“Arrow Adventure was born out of a desire to have people connect to the outdoors,” Marengo said. “We want to have a space for people to come in and just be able to sit and hang out if they want to, use a Wi-Fi, grab a cup of coffee.”
