Liquid returns with new shop in downtown Rehoboth Beach
Story Location:
Liquid Coastal Supply
5 North First Street
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States
Looking to meet the demand for high-quality, reasonably priced water sport protective gear, Liquid Coastal Supply has opened a shop in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
“There’s so many people looking for water gear, we decided to start a clothing line for watermen, women and kids,” said Mike Ridings, who co-owns the shop with Greg Plummer and Kyle Barkins. “It’s a small store. There’s not a lot of space, but it does what we need it to do. It’s a mellow version of the old Liquid.”
Founded in 2007, Liquid had been located on the highway for years, before closing in late 2018. The new shop is on North First Street, across the street from the original Nicola Pizza, and it opened a couple days before Memorial Day. The original shop had skate and snow gear, but Ridings said they’ve dropped those aspects of the business to focus strictly on the water.
Working directly with an overseas manufacturer, Ridings said Liquid has developed its own line of clothing with UV protection. That direct relationship allows Liquid to make comfy, breathable, antimicrobial gear at a reasonable price, he said, adding that inventory will continued to expand well into the summer.
In addition to the protective gear, the store features a full line of Liquid’s well-known T-shirts, board shorts, hats, hoodies and sweatpants. There will also be towels, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and other fun-in-the-sun necessities.
Ridings said local surfboard maker Matt Garbutt’s boards will be for sale in the shop.
Ridings said the local community has continued to support the Liquid brand when there’s been an opportunity to do so. There was a pop-up shop this past Christmas at the old location and the response was overwhelming, he said.
“It made me question why we ever closed,” said Ridings, laughing. As popular as the Liquid name was on the highway, Ridings said he’s looking forward to the new location. “I’m excited about the walk-by traffic.”
Liquid Coastal Supply, 5 N. First St., Unit 9, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, email email@liquidcoastal.com or go to liquidcoastal.com.
