Broad Bay Cotton Co. expands in Virginia Beach

Broad Bay Cotton Co., a producer of textile products for many colleges, is expanding and relocating in Virginia Beach.

The company, currently located on Thurston Avenue, is relocating operations to 8,000 square feet of space at 2601 Reliance Drive.

According to the city, there are 10 jobs associated with the expansion, within a 48-month timeframe, that would pay an average annual salary of $30,000.

Broad Bay Cotton plans to make a capital investment of $127,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment. The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded an APZ-1 Economic Development Investment Program grant in the amount of $10,000 based on the company’s capital investment. The new location is within the city’s YesOceana business area.

“We know this company looked at several locations for the expansion, and we’re pleased to keep this manufacturer and corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach,” Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris, said in a statement.  “The company’s continued investment in Virginia Beach helps build our strong small business community in the Oceana business corridor.”

Broad Bay Cotton has been in business in Virginia Beach since 1989. The company produces a variety of products such as backpacks, aprons and scrubs in addition to custom wood-based products such as plaques, cutting boards and skateboards.

It is licensed to produce and sell products to 60 colleges and universities nationwide and is established with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Until 2008, it did a more than 95 percent wholesale business to 4,000 stores around the country, but it has since pivoted toward direct consumer sales through Amazon, Walmart.com and Ebay.
 
“Adding more colleges and designs will always be a significant path of growth for Broad Bay,” said company owner Jim Marx. “Most growth will likely come from online sources in the future, and Broad Bay is solidly in place to take advantage of this trend.’’