West Marine to Celebrate Grand Opening of Chicago Flagship


Four-day event will include Cruising for a Cause charity evening

Demos of newest marine electronics, giveaways & door-buster deals

Plus, Founder Randy Repass & author Sally-Christine Rodgers provide tips and tricks on long distance cruising

CHICAGO, April 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Marine, one of the world's largest boating and waterlife retailers, invites water lovers across Chicago to the grand opening of its new flagship store in Chicago, IL, starting Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26. Customers will be treated to in-store events including tips from experts, demos of the latest gear, door-buster deals and giveaways. The new Chicago store is located at 1160 N. Halsted Street in Chicago.

Cruising for a Cause – Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

On Thursday night, Cruising for a Cause will raise money for local nautical non-profits. Tickets are $10 and include a drink and light hors d'oeuvres from local favorite Goose Island Brewery. West Marine will donate 100% of ticket proceeds and revenue from raffle and auction items to local non-profits, including Chicago Adventure Therapy, Chicago Voyager, Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Leukemia Cup Regatta, Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation (LMSRF), Sheridan Shore Sailing School and Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club Junior Fleet. The evening will include jazz music by local artist Jo Ann Daugherty. Tickets are available at the West Marine Chicago store or through participating organizations.

The night will open with a proclamation presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony by Walter Burnett, Jr., alderman of the 27th Ward of the City of Chicago, and West Marine CEO Matt Hyde. Pat O'Donnell, Chicago Bears punter, will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Bigger Location, Better Selection, Super Savings

At 20,000 square feet, the Halsted Street location will be the largest West Marine store in the Midwest. Nearly three times the size of the old North Avenue location, it will serve the needs of everyone who loves spending time on or around the water. The new store will include:

  • A dedicated engine parts counter with a huge selection of engine and steering-related replacement parts from brands such as Sierra, Quicksilver, Champion and Seastar
       
  • A state-of-the-art marine electronics display with over 100 units to touch and test including the award-winning Navico ForwardScan Sonar
       
  • An expansive sailboat hardware selection
       
  • A dedicated "Paddle World" featuring a huge selection of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, plus a broad range of paddling accessories
      
  • 7,300 square feet of core boating products-bigger than the entire old North Avenue store
      
  • 4,700 square feet of apparel, footwear and clothing accessories for your life on the water
      
  • Port Supply hub for marine businesses

Long Distance Cruising with West Marine Founder Randy Repass & Author Sally-Christine Rodgers

Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.

West Marine Founder Randy Repass and author Sally-Christine Rodgers provide tips and tricks for long distance cruising on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00am. Hear about their voyage to the South Seas with their three children aboard their Wylie 65 cat ketch Convergence. Randy will address the technical aspects of gearing up and setting sail, while Sally-Christine will tackle some of the educational and emotional challenges a family faces on a long-distance cruise.

About West Marine

Founded in 1968 by Randy Repass, West Marine, Inc. is the largest omni-channel specialty retailer of boating gear, apparel and footwear and other water-related products. With over 270 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and an eCommerce website reaching domestic and international customers, West Marine is the leading outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers, paddle sports enthusiasts and industry service providers. West Marine has everything 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.



            

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