West Marine, the world’s largest waterlife retailer, announced the grand opening of its new flagship store in Sausalito at 192 Donahue Street, in the Marin Gateway Shopping Center.
West Marine, the world’s largest waterlife retailer, announced the grand opening of its new flagship store in Sausalito at 192 Donahue Street, in the Marin Gateway Shopping Center.
During the grand opening, the parking lot will be transformed into a waterlife show, with boats and stand-up paddleboards from a variety of dealers and manufacturers along with marine-related schools and clubs. In-store events will include tips from experts, electronics demos, door-buster deals, giveaways and raffles. Throughout the weekend there will also be special guests, free hotdogs at lunch time and other entertainment. Each day, the first 50 customers will receive a free mystery gift card. Plus, everyone is eligible to text to win a $1,000 West Marine gift card.
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 feature an even wider selection of sailing hardware inventory. There will also 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 apparel, footwear and accessories with some of the top nautical brands including Helly Hansen, Grundens, Sperry Topsider and Tommy Bahama, plus a huge assortment of inflatable boats, kayaks and a variety of stand-up paddleboards.
“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 enjoy angling and kayaking,” said 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 square feet of core boating products, plus an additional 1,200-square foot sail hardware shop and a dedicated engine parts counter
• A 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
• A state-of-the art electronics 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, the store’s manager, is one of the most experienced boating professionals in the country. After serving in the Royal Navy, he spent eight years skippering large 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 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,” said Forbes. “I’m looking forward to supplying them what they currently need, but also to introducing them to some new water sports such as stand-up paddling.”
The new Sausalito store will feature a huge selection of marine electronics, including over 100 units that shoppers can touch and test.
