Rip Curl has opened a new flagship store in Bilbao, Spain. The 150-square-meter space, located in the heart of the city, opened at the end of March. Primarily focused on apparel, the store offers the full range of Rip Curl branded performance and technical product.
The new store is the brand’s third in Spain, joining stores in Tarifa and Barcelona. Rip Curl also has an outlet store open to consumers in Viladecans.
“In recent years, Bilbao has established itself as a major surf hub in the Basque Country, thanks to its proximity to iconic spots like Mundaka and Sopelana,” Rip Curl said in a media release. “Its cultural energy, combined with access to world-class waves, makes it a top destination for surfers and board sports enthusiasts.”
A special edition wetsuit featuring the Ikurriña (Basque flag) was designed for the Bilbao store, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Hossegor workshop.
“With the opening of a store in Bilbao, Rip Curl takes a strategic step forward in the development of its retail network in Europe. This new location marks our arrival in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country, an iconic region for European surfing, right next to some of the continent’s best waves, like Mundaka, Sopelana or Zarautz,” offered Mathieu Lefin, president of KMD Brands Europe, owner of the Rip Curl brand.
Lefin said the new flagship store “embodies Rip Curl’s commitment to strengthening ties with local surf communities, while offering a premium showcase of the Rip Curl universe.”
“It’s also an opportunity for the brand to present, in an inspiring space, its full range of technical and lifestyle collections, designed to meet the needs of a wide community of passionate riders.
“Bilbao was a natural choice: vibrant, ocean-connected and rich in culture,” Lefin continued. “This opening reflects our ambition to pursue sustainable, consistent growth in Spain and beyond, as close as possible to the waves.”
Images courtesy Rip Curl/KMD Brands Europe
