West Marine, Inc. net sales for the first quarter of 2006 were $132.7 million, an increase of 5.8% from net sales of $125.3 million a year ago. Comparable store sales for the first quarter of 2006 increased 4.8%, compared to the same period a year ago.

Peter Harris, Chief Executive Officer of West Marine, said, “We are pleased with initial customer reactions to our merchandise assortment changes and store service improvements. While still early, we are making visible progress with our targeted initiatives. First quarter comparable store sales benefited from weak comparisons to cold, wet weather last year in the Northeast and Great Lakes, while unusually heavy rainfall negatively affected first quarter results of our west coast locations.”