Watson’s acquires N.C.-based Viridien

Originally post in Furniture Today

Watson’s acquires N.C.-based Viridien, expanding Southern U.S. footprint

Vicky Jarrett //Managing Editor//May 19, 2026

CINCINNATI – Watson’s, a national retailer of home recreational products and furnishings, has acquired Charlotte, N.C.-based Viridien Patio + Fireplace, a Carolinas destination for high-end outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, fireplace and hearth products.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Viridien further strengthens Watson’s Southern U.S. presence, building on its 2024 acquisition of Fort Myers, Fla.-based Recreational Warehouse, as well as expanding its leadership in the outdoor furnishings category overall.

The addition of four Carolinas locations — Charlotte, Lake Norman, Raleigh and Greenville — brings Watson’s total store count to 39. Following the acquisition, Watson’s will operate 23 corporate locations and 16 franchise and affiliate locations.

“Expanding into the Carolinas market has long been a strategic objective for us,” said Erik Mueller, CEO of Watson’s. “The market’s strength and sustained economic growth make it a natural fit for our continued expansion. Combined with Viridien’s strong team, shared values, proven business model, and established presence, this acquisition represents an excellent strategic alignment.”

Mueller noted that Watson’s would incorporate the entire Viridien team with the acquisition.

“Watson’s is a family business with a strong culture, an outstanding reputation and values that closely align with our own,” said Grant W. Henegan, owner and president of Viridien. “From the beginning, it was important to me to find a partner that truly understood what Viridien has been built on over the past 45 years: taking care of our employees, customers and vendor partners while always operating with integrity and a long-term perspective. I genuinely don’t believe we could have found a better home for our business.”

Following the acquisition, Viridien will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Watson’s and will be branded as Viridien by Watson’s.

Building on this most recent expansion, Watson’s continues to evaluate and pursue multiple avenues for growth across the U.S. “We see significant opportunity to continue scaling Watson’s through new store development and strategic acquisitions in both our existing and new markets,” said Mueller.

Assisting in the acquisition were Cincinnati-based partners Katz Teller, Clark Schaefer Hackett and Charlotte-based partner Stump & Co.