USA: West Marine Reports A 6.3% Sales Increase For June 2000

West Marine, Inc (Nasdaq:WMAR) today reported that net sales for the five weeks ended July 1, 2000 were $77.5 million, an increase of 6.3% from net sales of $72.9 million for the same period a year ago. Comparable store net sales for the five weeks ended July 1, 2000 increased 4.2%. Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2000 were $183.3 million, an increase of 3.7% from net sales of $176.9 million for the same period a year ago. Comparable store net sales for the latest thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2000 increased 1.4%. Net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2000 were $278.6 million, an increase of 3.0% from net sales of $270.4 million for the same period a year ago. Comparable store net sales for the latest twenty-six weeks increased by 0.5% compared to the same period a year ago. Said John Edmondson, president and CEO of West Marine: "Sales in the Northeast, which has been hindered by weather conditions, has finally turned favorable. This positive development leads us to be optimistic about the next quarter." West Marine is one of the largest specialty retailers of recreational and commercial boating supplies and apparel in the United States. The company offers products through 233 stores in 38 states and through catalogs, which it distributes several times each year. The company's on-line store, press releases and financial information are available at