West Marine Inc. enters Turkish market by opening its first store in Istanbul. The Watsonville-based retailer of boating supplies and accessories said that the store is part of a multi-store development agreement for Turkey with East Marine Denizcilik & Turizm A.S.

An ardent sailor and industrialist, Mr. Rahmi M. Koç is the Chairman and controlling shareholder of East Marine.

Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Straight straddling Europe and Asia, is surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, making it an ideal location for a West Marine store, the company said.

The new West Marine store in Turkey, located at Kumlar Caddesi No: 8 Kartal, is set to open in July 2008.  It's part of a multi-store development agreement for Turkey.

"We view this as a tremendous opportunity to leverage the West Marine brand and expertise with East Marine's international experience," said Geoff Eisenberg, CEO, West Marine. "We believe franchising has enormous potential and we look forward to growing our international sales and presence with our respected partner."

West Marine said other locations are being identified along Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.