WESTBROOK, Conn — It’s a project more than two years in the making a finally coming to fruition; Blackhall Outfitters new retail store and reimagined marina will soon be open.
Gene Chmiel, the owner of Blackhall said that while the project preceded the COVID-19 crisis, the past year has proven that people want to get out on the water.
“We’re fortunate,” said Chmiel, who also owns a Blackhall Outfitters location in Old Lyme. “We’re in the boating industry and we’ve just seen immense growth in the entire industry,” he added.
The new storefront on Boston Post Road isn’t hard to miss, Blackhall’s shop is now home to four thousand square feet, dedicated to all things aquatic.
“Myself and the ownership are really committed to the area,” Chmiel said, “we’ve put in an immense amount of investment, brand new docks, new facilities, a brand new clubhouse.”
Reiterating what he said at the onset, Chmiel noted that the pandemic has created more desire for people to want to escape to the water – another reason he thinks the new project will do well.
“Last year was by far our best year,” Chmiel said, “we couldn’t get enough people outside on the water.”
Blackhall Outfitters in Westbrook is planning a grand opening weekend beginning May 1st.
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