OCEAN CITY — The team at Lululemon celebrated the grand opening of its new store at 761 Asbury Ave. on Aug. 8 with the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Customers were lined up down the street as the popular retailer opened its doors.
Lululemon features athletic wear and other apparel, accessories and more, such as yoga mats and water bottles. The company also has its own compression and wick-proof wear.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, thanked the team for investing in the community and noted growth in the downtown, from remodels to new businesses opening.
Lululemon moved into the storefront formerly occupied by Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Managers include Laurie Sykes, Julie Schollenberger and Joy Susanin. All questions were referred to the corporate office, which did not respond to a request for comment.
The store is wide open, bright and welcoming, with racks along the walls and throughout the center offering men’s and women’s styles.
Eve Turner and Justin DiBona from Delaware County, Pa., were shopping Aug. 12.
“I’m just looking around; I shop at Lululemon a lot,” Turner said.
The couple was staying on the island for a week to take in the beach, boardwalk and downtown.
Amy Kern and daughter Olivia, 24, a Mainland Regional High School graduate, said they couldn’t wait to shop in person.
“We wanted to come Friday and we just haven’t made it here until today,” Amy Kern said. “We’ve been dying to come; we love our Lululemon.”
They said they like how long the clothing lasts.
“It’s really good quality. When you spend the $100 for the pants, you are going to have them for years,” Amy Kern said. “You do not need to worry about what it costs because we know it’s going to last.”
“I’ve had my leggings since high school,” Olivia Kern added.
The Somers Point residents were happy that the shop opened just across the bridge in Ocean City.
“The next-closest one for us is in Stone Harbor,” Amy Kern said. “I just order online and hope for the best but we’re just happy to have a store like this close by so we can come in and pick out what we want.”
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff