New Chicago West Marine store to serve as flagship Midwest location

CHICAGO — West Marine, the world’s largest boating equipment and waterlife outfitter, will soon open its new 20,000 sq. ft. flagship Midwest store at 1160 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. Grand Opening festivities kick off on Thursday, April 23, at 8 a.m., and continue through Sunday, April 26. Grand Opening events include a Cruising for a Cause charity night to benefit local non-profits, seminars and tips from industry experts, product demos, doorbuster sale prices, merchandise giveaways and a raffle. The new Chicago store is located just off the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River that wraps around Goose Island.

The new store will cater to all those who enjoy life on the water, stocking everything from weatherproof gear to kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards and a wide selection of men’s and women’s shoes and apparel from the top nautical brands. In addition to core boating equipment such as maintenance supplies, sailboat hardware, trailer supplies and an engine parts counter, the store will have hundreds of the latest marine electronics units on display for mariners to touch and test.

The new store will also serve as the company’s Midwest hub for Port Supply, the wholesale division of West Marine. The Port Supply hub will serve as resource for marine businesses including professional boat builders, boat yards, boat dealers and governmental agencies.

“I’ve spent most of my life on the Great Lakes, and I couldn’t be happier to ensure everyone in Chicago and the surrounding areas have top-notch products and equipment they need to have amazing experiences on the water,” said new Chicago West Marine General Manager Gary Sibilsky.