Helly Hansen, the Norwegian sailing gear brand founded nearly 140 years ago by a sea captain, found its North American home in Seattle in 1970. It was a natural fit – a city surrounded by water and mountains was already filled with outdoor lovers looking to stay warm and dry. Now, finally the city has its own retail store worthy of Captain Hansen in the heart of downtown.

Why so long to open? Brady Barry, the director of marketing for the U.S., says, “We were just waiting for the right location.” Finding an opening in the busy retail core at Sixth and Pike made it an easy choice.

Helly Hansen is a perennial favorite for professional sailors and skiers. They also stay true to their mission, unlike some other brands that branch out into every outdoor activity – don’t look for a yoga line anytime soon – and has a passionate following.

They plan on being part of the community, too, and not just another national brand with presence in Seattle. They already sponsor athletes with local ties. Roger Strong, one of their ski/mountain guides, is based out of Edmonds, and Kaylin Richardsen, (Olympic skier in 2006 and 2010) is a Bremerton regular, as her fiance lives there. The Helly Hansen store opening also included a fundraiser for the Mountaineers, one of our favorite local outdoor nonprofits, and they’ve got some plans for some promotions with local ski areas once the snow starts to fall.

So far, the retail store has seen brisk business. It seems the retail store was overdue.

“All the activities we focus on take place here. Skiing, sailing and the mountains,” says Barry. “It all makes Seattle a great choice.”

Check them out at 1504 6th Ave, (206) 623-3976