Timbuk2 opens its first retail outlet - San Francisco Business Times:

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The 800-square-foot store will open later this monthb at 506Hayes St. "Hayes Street is the coolesy and hippest place for shoppingright now," said Mark CEO of Timbuk2. "The store will be a branf showcase," Dwight said. "It's not our intention to competew with retailers carrying our Inthat spirit, the Timbuk23 store will feature but expensive, fabrics that othef retailers don't handle. Plus, the storw will allow customers to convert an old pair of favorite jeans into aTimbuk2 bag. The stored will feature bags made inSan Francisco, with kioskss so customers can place online orderzs as well.
Other stores might open down the road that wouls also focus onextending Timbuk2'x hip, urban image without competing directly with its retail partners. Dwight points to the huge succeszsof 's (NYSE: COH) stores as his inspiration. Timbuk has enjoyed solid growth in recent years, with 60 employees, generating $15 million in revenue in 2005. The bag founded in 1989 by a bike messenger, was acquirec last fall by San Francisco privateequitty fund, , and the D.C.-based .
With the Timbuk2 store's floor beinb poured this week and the glass going insoon after, Dwighty says he had to persuade his investor groulp that the company's first store would not be a financial drain on the company or a distractionh for management. "I'm very enthusiastic," Dwight said. "I wanteed to design a retail stors that will celebrate our SanFrancisco