Outlet: Tidewater Biz/ Daily Press

California-based West Marine is consolidating its three stores in Norfolk and Virginia Beach into one “flagship” store on Virginia Beach Boulevard.

The boating supplies, fishing and watersports retailer wanted to show a variety of products in one 23,000-square-foot location in Loehmann’s Plaza Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, according to a news release. The new store opens Sept. 12.

“Our customers are responding positively to these larger stores where they can get everything in one location that they will need for a great day out on the water,” West Marine Regional Vice President Jim Abel said in a statement.

For instance, the smaller stores carried 8,000 products while the large store can fit 19,000, including 100 marine electronics on display. The store will also have an engine parts counter.

Store manager Annette Rentro will lead 34 employees at the new store. The first 100 visitors receive free T-shirts starting at 8 a.m. Sept. 12. From 6-9 p.m., West Marine will hosing a charity night in support of local marine-based nonprofits.