GLOUCESTER — Marker Nine‘s first brick-and-mortar storefront will have its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 19 from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Gloucester-based casual apparel company’s new retail store is located at the Shops at Tidemill, 2082 George Washington Hwy., in Gloucester Point.
Marker Nine joins anchor store Little England Mercantile, marketing and communications firm Consociate Media, and Sara Harris Photography in the 16,000-square foot renovated strip mall across Route 17 from Scoot’s BBQ. Marker Nine will be located next door to Severn Wharf Custom Rods.
“While Marker Nine ships its merchandise all over the country, Gloucester is home for us, and that makes it special to be able to anchor our store here,” Rudy Heinatz, company co-founder, said. “The community has supported us from day one. It’s rewarding for Marker Nine to be part of the ongoing revitalization effort to transform the Shops at Tidemill into a shopping destination.”
Marker Nine’s opening will also create new jobs in the area, as the store is hiring sales associates.
Started in 2015 by Heinatz and his brother-in-law, Mike Silberhorn, Marker Nine had only operated through popup shops and online sales.
The brand is known for celebrating the simplicity that comes from living along the coast and the generations of residents and watermen who appreciate the simplistic lifestyle.
“This is an exciting time in the evolution of Marker Nine, and we want to share that with everyone who helped us reach this milestone,” Heinatz said. “We also welcome new customers to check us out. We’ve been asked when we’re going to have our own retail shop and the time is finally right.”
Marker Nine’s line of products includes hoodies, hats, short and long-sleeved shirts and accessories in different colors and sizes. The brand also offers coastal photography prints for sale from award-winning photojournalist Rob Ostermaier.
Marker Nine’s signature logo on its apparel is an encircled “9” that reflects the channel marker that gives boaters the green light to continue their direction.
Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, Marker Nine will cut a ceremonial dock rope at the grand opening celebration.
The virtual event will be streamed at 3:30 p.m. on Marker Nine’s Facebook page.
Marker Nine will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
