West Marine, a retailer of specialty boating supplies, has opened a 25,500-square-foot flagship store across from Kmart on Nimitz Highway.

The Watsonville, Calif.-based retailer closed an 11,000-square-foot Sand Island Access Road store on Feb. 2 and opened the Nimitz store the following day. With the move, West Marine nearly doubled staff to 40 from 24.

West Marine, which opened on Oahu in 1997, razed and rebuilt the site formerly occupied by Tropical Clay at 420 N. Nimitz Highway.

The retailer is among a number of national chains that have opened in the Iwilei area in recent years, including Lowe’s, Party City and Best Buy. West Marine owns 310 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

West Marine said it has doubled the size of its electronics and fishing departments and has positioned itself to capture more of the tourist market.

"We’re very excited to offer our customers the convenience of even more fishing and boat products to better serve them in our remote Hawaiian island location," said Honolulu store manager Susan Lynch. "We’re expecting to see more cruise ship customers and more international customers. Being positioned near the cruise lines helps our tourists customers. It’s a new market."

Company representatives didn’t disclose how much was spent building the flagship store, or any sales projections.

Since 2009 West Marine has opened nine flagship stores and has "met with great sales success," said Tom Moran, chief financial officer, in an email.

The national retail chain sells supplies for saltwater fishing, sailing and powerboats and has a large selection of local fishing, tackle, lure heads and bait. Products range from stand-up paddle surfboards to shoes and apparel and waterproof sports watches.

It also has a saltwater fishing expert on hand to answer customers’ questions and offers two free seminars a month on marine-related topics.

The retailer has scheduled a grand opening event from 6-9 p.m. March 22 — Cruising for a Cause —  to support marine-based Hawaii charities.

The new store has expanded hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m daily and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.