Chillicothe native returns to start new outdoor store

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read

CHILLICOTHE— A new outdoor store looking to have something for everyone opened in Chillicothe recently.

Cobia Outdoors, which recently held its grand opening, carries products including a variety of ammo, firearms and firearm accessories. While the store does sell firearm cleaning equipment they also offer a cleaning service. They also sell flowers, coolers, cups, camping supplies, deer food, fishing accessories, Weather Tech car accessories, and disc golf equipment.

Owner Wesley Ritenour said if the store does not carry what you need they are happy to order it.

Ritenour opened the store in May of 2020 after his dad brought up the idea to him. His goal for the store is to offer all he can so that outdoor lovers don't have to go to several stores to get what they need. The store looking to expand in the future to carry more products for fishing and diving.

"The purpose is to have one store that can fulfill the outdoor need," said Ritenour

The name Cobia comes from the fish with the same name. Ritenour graduated with a bachelor's degree in marine science and a minor in business administration. He is also a National Association of Underwater Instructors Dive Master and is working toward becoming a diving instructor.

Bobbi Kellough, from the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, spoke during the recent ribbon cutting and said she is excited to see young people from the town returning to start their own businesses. Ritenour was born and raised in Chillicothe but left to attend college.

Ultimately Ritenour hopes to grow this store to offer more products. Once he is established in Chillicothe he wants to open a branch in Florida that will offer guided diving tours.

Cobia Outdoors is located at 203 N. Bridge Street. You can also visit the store online and follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe native returns to start new outdoor store