BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – For those itching to gear up before the season starts, the Mount Baker Ski Area is bringing some of its retail goods closer to home.

The Talbot Group, which owns Barkley Village, announced that a brick-and-mortar store opened as of noon Thursday, Oct. 1 on Newmarket Street.

The Ski Area’s first retail location off the mountain offers branded merchandise, winter outerwear and sports gear.

Lift tickets and equipment rentals are not available in the Barkley location. Tickets for the season will open for everyone on Saturday, Oct. 3 via an online portal.

A grand opening celebration for the new store will be held during Barkley Basecamp, which takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 15.

The free event will also feature a winter clothing donation drive for the Vamos Outdoor Project. New or gently used winter coats and gloves will be accepted during the drive.