Sea Bags adding five ports of call to retail footprint

Photo / Renee Cordes Sea Bags' flagship store on Commercial Street in Portland's Old Port.

Write a Comment

Sea Bags, the Portland-based designer and maker of totes and accessories crafted from recycled sails, is adding shops to its multi-state retail footprint this spring.

After opening two stores in North Carolina on March 31, further openings are planned in Saint Michaels, Md., on April 28; Kittery, at the southern tip of Maine, on May 12; and Vineyard Haven, Mass., on May 26.

Founded in 1999, the company still operates a small factory store at 25 Custom House Wharf in Portland. The new locations will bring the grand total to 50 Sea Bags stores and a presence in 15 states. The company, incorporated in 2006, employs nearly 200 staff members today.

“This is a busy time for Sea Bags as we continue to grow both our sales and manufacturing, all the while remaining true to our Maine roots and honoring our state’s marine heritage,” said Oakes, who was honored as a Mainebiz Business Leader of the year in 2022. “We look forward to connecting with new local communities, creating more jobs, and standing firm to our commitment of products being made in the U.S.”

All five new locations are leased properties, a company spokesperson told Mainebiz.

On the production side, Oakes recently told Mainebiz that the company remains committed to its plan of doubling output despite staffing challenges throughout 2022.

The two new North Carolina retail stores, in the communities of Duck and Manteo, are on the state’s Outer Banks, a first for the brand. In addition, the new Vineyard Haven store will be the company’s third on Martha’s Vineyard in the Bay State.

For all grand opening weekends, Sea Bags is donating 20% of in-store sales proceeds to selected local community organizations in each locale.