Timbuk2, the San Francisco messenger bag maker, is expanding their brick-and-mortar store presence outside San Fransisco. And what city is first on their list?
Seattle.
This is according to Seattle Met, which says the company has plans for a 1,400 square-foot space downtown.
We have attempted to contact Timbuk2 to learn more about their plans. We’ll update when we learn more.
UPDATE: They are planning to open at 7th and Pike. CEO Mike Wallenfels cited Seattle’s “thriving bike-friendly culture” and plans to be involved with Bike to Work Day in May. Here’s the press release from Timbuk2:
Timbuk2, the original San Francisco messenger bag company with a wide range of bags and accessories for global individualists on the go, today announced it will open a retail store in the heart of Seattle, as the first retail store outside of their hometown.
Timbuk2’s new 1,400 sq. ft. retail store will open in Spring 2013 in downtown Seattle at 1532 7th Avenue at Pine Street. The space will showcase its entire product line, including their interactive custom station where you can design a one-of-a-kind bag or accessory made to order in their San Francisco factory.
“Seattle is the ideal city for Timbuk2’s second retail location because of the city’s roots in an active lifestyle and their thriving bike-friendly culture,” said CEO Mike Wallenfels. “We have been looking at Seattle as the destination for our first retail store outside of San Francisco for quite some time, but we wanted to make sure we had the right location before entering this dynamic market.”
Born and bred in 1989 in a San Francisco garage by a bike messenger Rob Honeycutt and an old sewing machine, Timbuk2 is a pioneer of original thinking, pride in individuality, and uninhibited creativity. Timbuk2’s first and only flagship store opened in San Francisco in Hayes Valley in 2006. Known for its comprehensive customization offering, the store quickly became the spot to design one-of-a-kind bags and accessories, in addition to a hub for local bike commuting enthusiasts. Timbuk2 regularly hosts parties, happy hours, bike events and more. Timbuk2 hopes to be a similar go-to destination for bike loving and active lifestyle enthusiasts in the Seattle community.
Timbuk2 has partnered with Bay Area-based design and architecture firm Form3 for the build-out of the Seattle store, and they plan to incorporate locally-sourced design features and sustainable elements to preserve Timbuk2’s commitment to personalized products.
As part of the store opening, Timbuk2 plans to participate in Bike to Work Day in Seattle on May 17, 2013, as well as host a variety of opening events.
For more information about Timbuk2, visit www.timbuk2.com.
Comments
9 responses to “Timbuk2 opening store downtown – UPDATED”
Hey, the old sports titanium bracelet and necklace shop space. I think it only exists because pro sports teams are frequently lodged at the Grand Hyatt, which had Phiten on the retail level.
As such I hope they carry a Seahawks themed bag. Too bad they’re made in China now.
And it’s planning to open at 7th and Pine, kitty corner to Barnes & Nobel.
I picked up a Timbuk2 Phoenix backpack for commuting over the holidays. I’m bummed that they are made in China, as well. However, it does a great job of holding my work computer, clothes, and other stuffs well. Even held up to the viaduct construction when the bike slid out from under me and sent me skidding through the construction area. LOL.
I had a Timbuk2 bag back in the early 90’s when they were made in San Fransisco. But messenger bags designs have been improved a lot since then.
SeaGull, my current bag is way better.
www dot seagullbags dot com
As is Mission Workshop:
missionworkshop dot com
RE Load used to be up on Capital hill but they closed up shop so I hope Timbuk2 has better retail sense.
reloadbags dot gostorego dot com
Cory at Dank Bags can make just about anything, in any color, up to and including beer cozies. Love that guy! The backpack he made me is the comfiest ever, and holds plenty of stuff without being a giant messenger bag. He’s housed in the same space as Mobius cycle downtown. http://www.dankbags.net.
If you get a custom bag they are still made in San Francisco.
It’s only the off-the-shelf ones that are made in China.
Complaining about a bag made in China while typing on a computer made in China. Weird!
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Custom TB2 bags is where it is at! Their custom bags – I believe – are made by hand, out of their SanFran location….. I have had 2 bags and both have been through the a lot of stress…nothing like a seasoned bag….