FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WATSONVILLE, CA (June 26, 2014)
West Marine, the world’s largest waterlife retailer, announced the grand opening of its new flagship store in Sausalito, CA. Grand opening festivities kick off on Thursday, July 31 at 8 a.m. and go through Sunday, August 3. The parking lot will be transformed into a waterlife show, with boats and marine-related schools and clubs. In-store events will include tips from experts, electronics demos, door-buster deals, giveaways and raffles. The new Sausalito store is located at 192 Donahue Street, in the Marin Gateway Shopping Center.
At more than 25,000 square feet, the West Marine store at this new location is the largest West Marine in Northern California. More than double the size of the previous location, it will serve the needs of everyone who loves spending time on or around the water. In addition to having an even wider selection of sailing hardware inventory, there will be a Fishing and Bait Shack, a huge selection of marine electronics featuring over 100 units to touch and test and a new engine parts counter. There will be a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel, footwear and accessories with some of the top nautical brands including Helly Hansen, Grundens, Sperry Topsider and Tommy Bahama, plus a broad assortment of inflatable boats, kayaks and a variety of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
“San Francisco Bay is known for having phenomenal sailing and we will continue to be the first stop for racers and cruisers, but for the first time this store will also be able to support our customers who enjoying angling and kayaking,” says General Manager David Forbes. “We’ll have more of everything – from engine parts to sportswear to foul weather gear.”
Merchandise at the new store will include:
- A large assortment of paddlesports equipment, including stand-up paddling and kayak gear
- 6,000 feet of core boating products, including a dedicated engine parts counter
- An expansive 1,200 square foot Sail Hardware section. Plus, convenient drop-off and pickup counter service for the Bay Area West Marine rigging shop.
- 1,350 square foot Fishing and Bait Shack, including tackle gear specifically selected for fishing on San Francisco Bay, offshore and in the Delta
- 5,500 square feet of apparel, footwear and accessories
- State-of-the art electronic display showcasing the latest in navigation and communication technology
The West Marine Sausalito crew will include associates who have a wide variety of boating, fishing and kayaking experiences in the waters of San Francisco Bay, the coast of California and nearby lakes and rivers. Forbes is one of the most experienced boating professionals in the country. After serving in the Royal Navy, he spent eight years skippering 40 to 80 foot sailboats. In addition to racking up some 100,000 miles at sea, he has served as chair of US Sailing’s National Faculty (Keelboat) and run a successful sailing school and charter company. He currently owns a Colgate 26 and is a co-founder of a new community sailing program. “The America’s Cup helped highlight what locals have known for ages: San Francisco Bay is one of the most active areas for boating in the world,” says Forbes. “I’m looking forward to supplying them what they currently need, but also to introduce them to some new water sports such as stand-up paddling.”
About West Marine
Founded in 1968 by a sailor, West Marine, Inc. has grown to become the largest omni-channel specialty retailer exclusively offering gear, apparel and footwear and other waterlife-related products to anyone who enjoys recreational time on or around the water. With over 275 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and an eCommerce website reaching domestic and international customers, West Marine is recognized as the dominant waterlife outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddle sports enthusiasts. West Marine has everything you need for your life on the water. For more information on West Marine, Inc. its products and store locations, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464). West Marine’s stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol WMAR.
Margo Donohue
West Marine
917.679.6945
press@westmarine.com