United by Blue opens on AP boardwalk
'Responsible durable goods' sold for the sake of good
The Philadelphia-based United by Blue has landed on Asbury Park’s boardwalk and with its summer outpost comes the mission to keep the world’s waterways and oceans clear of trash.
“For every product sold, the company vows to cleanup one pound of trash,” summer outpost manager David Laegen said. “That sale will help us clean up the thing that connects us all – the ocean.”
In the past five years, 4,061 volunteers have participated in 117 cleanups across 21 states resulting in 203,510 pounds of trash removed, according to the company website.
Located in the First Avenue Pavilion, with a boardwalk entrance between Stella Marina restaurant and Just Another Days Ice Cream shop, the store features one-of-a-kind sustainable products.
The eclectic assortment of what Laegen calls ‘responsible durable goods’ range from Fedoras, sandals, blankets and beach towels to their branded time pieces, summer wear, gardening tools and travel bags. As a nod to its new home, artist Dan McShane designed signature Asbury Park totes and t-shirts [at right].
Laegen said although many of the store’s goods come from across the country and India, their goal is to support local companies that share in their vision.
“We want you to have a product for a really long time,” Laegen said. “Many people question why our travel bags are leather but they don’t realize the alternative is worse for the environment.”
Laegen said the organic cotton t-shirs and bags hail from India, while thensandals come from upstate New York, sunglasses from San Francisco, soaps and water bottles from Portland, Ore., and pendants from Brooklyn, N.Y.
“We try to find places that match what we are doing in Philly and what we are doing in Asbury,” Laegen said. “Everything has a functional message behind it.”
United by Blue opened its flagship Old City store at 144 N. 2nd Street in September 2013. Repurposed materials were used as a backdrop for their blend of coffee shop meets apparel and accessory store with a mission.
“We believe that every living creature is united by the blue of our world’s oceans and waterways and we all have the responsibility to protect them,” co owner Mike Cangi said in a written statement on the company website. “This is the basis for our philosophy – both as a brand and as individuals. Our team loves to surf, fish, kayak, scuba dive and sometimes just sit on the beach in awe of the ocean. It was this connection that pushed us to open an ocean-front outpost in Asbury Park, NJ this summer.”
A second store is located at 3421 Walnut St. and third location is within the historic State and Union’s Kennett Square at 103 West State Street.
And while the local outpost does not currently feature fresh brewed coffee, cold brew bottle coffee from Philadelphia is available for sale. Laegen siad he store will feature a coffee cart later in the season.
The outpost is expected to remain open through September. Starting seaon hours will be from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Memorial Day, noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
A grand opening event, from 7 to 10 p.m. May 30, will feature local music, food, and beverages, Laegen said. Gift coupons will be given at a 20 percent discount that day or 15 percent thereafter.
For more information email asbury@unitedbyblue.com or call (732) 807-3218.
Photos courtesy of United by Blue.
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