Columbia Sportswear Company said it is redeveloping a block of prime downtown Seattle real estate into two new, side-by-side Columbia and Mountain Hardwear branded retail stores slated to open in late fall 2008.
Columbia Sportswear executives will elaborate on their plans at a press conference on site Thursday, June 5, at 10 a.m.
Columbia's expansion into Seattle marks the beginning of the company's strategy to elevate the retail presentation of its complementary outdoor brands and drive consumer demand for its broad assortment of performance outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.
“Seattle is a major hub to the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Columbia Sportswear's backyard, and offers a vibrant urban core of active consumers and proximity to world-class outdoor adventure,” said Tim Boyle, president and chief executive officer, Columbia Sportswear Company. “Our new downtown Seattle location is just three blocks from the world-famous Pike Place Market in an area of mixed retail and high foot traffic, which includes locals, commuters and tourists interested in the outdoors and adventure travel. We are excited about the possibilities for increasing our brand awareness through the redevelopment of this premier downtown Seattle retail location.”
The company currently operates one Columbia flagship store and an adjacent Mountain Hardwear store in Portland, Oregon, and plans to build 15-20 additional first-line branded stores in key U.S. and European metropolitan markets over the next 3 to 5 years. The company's planned network of branded stores will enable consumers to experience Columbia's innovative outdoor products merchandised under one roof in greater breadth and depth than is possible at independent retailers' stores.
Columbia branded stores will feature Columbia apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, along with its Sorel. Mountain Hardwear branded stores will feature Mountain Hardwear apparel, accessories and equipment, along with the company's Montrail trail-running footwear.
