Mariner Sails closing its doors...ok...moving

And according to what I'm told, this is the last week.

But it's not a permanent closure.

Aris is moving the store to a new location that's almost 3 times bigger... Yes, I said almost 3 times. An added bonus is that it's not located among a bunch of chop shops. If things go according to plan, they're moving during this coming weekend. The new place is only a couple of miles away from the old Indian Trail store, and right on I-35E (between Walnut Hill and Royal). I got a chance to visit the new space about a week ago... I was blown away. Retail space is easily tripling in size. The sail loft will be twice as big. And the warehouse is so big it has 3 roll-up doors instead of just one like the old warehouse.

Some pictures of the new place are on Facebook - search for the Mariner Sails page.

Details on the move here:
http://www.mariner-sails.com/

And you thought it was bad news...

Dang it Dog! You scared the crap out of me. I read the title of the post and yelled "OH NO!" After reading the message though, my fears were laid to rest. I am glad Aris is moving to a larger place. More room for goodies!

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Sorry... Had to be done. And couldn't wait for April.

They are moving this weekend and will be open for business a week from monday at the new location.
Since they are right next to the freeway they will get plenty of notice from the thousands of passing cars. That should translate into more walk-in customers. The openning has been pushed back a week to Feb. 1.

This is good. The old place was a bit crowded.

A "bit"? You're being kind. Very kind.

It was kinda like shopping in a closet. The upstairs was no more than a small balcony. I can't wait to check out the new place next time I am in the Metroplex.

_________________
'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

The balcony was the least crowded part of the old store... Especially in the summer when it was 90+ degrees up there.

I'm going to miss the old place though. I first walked into Mariner in 1985 when it was nothing more than a sail loft. I worked there for 6 years (Holy Cow! Where did the time go?). The Indian Trail location had a certain character. Unfortunately, the character of the neighborhood has been in sharp decline for awhile.

Aris got a deal he couldn't refuse on the new place. The property owner has been trying to recruit Aris to be tenant for quite awhile. The guy already owns a dozen+ marinas and resorts - so he's very boat shop friendly.

Once they get the move completed, I'll see if I can't get some decent pictures of the place. I may have to give Aris some time to build inventory first. The new place is going to swallow up his current inventory like a snack - which as people who've been in the old place will realize is no small feat.

Mariner Sails is finally moving into their new location this weekend. And what a great location it is. It couldn't be more than 100yd. from I-35 freeway. They will get tremendous publicity being so close to the highway. Their former location was tuck away on a back side street. They have triple the space now and will have a show room floor. Hopefully more walk-ins and a greater interest in Hobies. Dallas is a great city for sailing. Many large nearby lakes and great wind in the spring and fall. Good for windsurfing too.

New place is open. I visited briefly during the move - it's still blowing me away. There's even a dedicated space for dealing with order shipping. They've got some new pictures up online on Facebook. Check it out.