Surf apparel brand Jetty is slated to open its new 3,384-square-foot store at Long Branch’s Pier Village in late May 2025. — Courtesy: Pierson Commercial
By Joshua Burd
Surf apparel brand Jetty is coming to Pier Village in Long Branch, where it’s leasing nearly 3,400 square feet from Kushner under a deal arranged by Pierson Commercial.
According to the brokerage team, the shop at the mixed-use lifestyle destination will be the retailer’s second as it expands from its three-year-old flagship store in Manahawkin. The new space is slated to open around Memorial Day this year, joining Pier Village’s mix of shopping, dining, year-round entertainment and condominiums along the Atlantic Ocean.
Pierson Commercial Director Gary Krauss represented Jetty in the 3,384-square-foot lease at 80 Ocean Ave. North, while the firm’s Ryan Starkman represented the landlord.
“We are excited about the addition of Jetty to the property, which will further cement Pier Village’s status as one of New Jersey’s most successful and desirable retail developments,” said Starkman, a vice president with Marlboro-based Pierson Commercial.
The deal originated in what Krauss described as classic Jersey Shore fashion. The broker, an avid scuba diver, said he was on a boat headed out for a day of shipwreck diving when he was talking to dive buddy Lee Byrd, who happened to be president of the Jetty brand. The conversation turned to retail and the company’s potential expansion, which eventually led to a tour of the Pier Village property by Kushner President Nicole Kushner Meyer.
That gave way to a deal that Krauss said is all the more important, given the pressure on the broader segment of surf- and skateboard-inspired apparel. Just last month, the parent company of Quiksilver, Billabong and Volcom announced it has filed for bankruptcy and will close its more than 100 stores across the U.S.
“We have been looking for the right New Jersey retail location to expand to for some time, and Pier Village checks all the boxes,” said John Clifford, Jetty partner and chief brand officer. “Gary Krauss of Pierson Commercial Real Estate, along with his colleague Ryan Starkman, introduced us to the space and helped everything fall into place.
“The Pier Village site will allow us to reach a new customer base in a bustling seaside community that is steeped in surf history. Wherever Jetty goes, we want to make sure we do it right and create an authentic center for the surf community to rally around. Our apparel will fill the walls and racks exclusively, and the shop will feature some of New Jersey’s best surfboard shapers and a range of accessory brands that complement our product line and brand story.”
Pierson Commercial noted that Jetty, which it described as surfer-owned and -operated, was founded in 2003 by five friends seeking to draw their own line in the surf industry and beyond. Following the success of the Manahawkin store, the new space in Pier Village will showcase Jetty’s full collection of eco-minded apparel for men, women and kids, while also catering to the core surf crowd with a selection of surfboards and accessories from a variety of leading brands.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jetty to Pier Village, where their passion for surf culture and community aligns perfectly with our vision for this dynamic beachfront destination,” Meyer said. “This addition enhances our retail mix, providing both locals and visitors with an authentic surf experience in the heart of Long Branch.”
The operator noted that Pier Village was an ideal location due to its vibrant, year-round environment that will provide ample opportunity to engage with both locals and seasonal visitors. Additionally, its proximity to the Seven Presidents Park surf break in Long Branch will allow for surfing events and community-driven initiatives throughout all four seasons.
“We are beyond excited to bring Jetty to Long Branch,” said Dave Bachowski, Jetty director of retail. “Our new store is going to be all about celebrating and embracing surf culture, coastal living and connecting with the community. Over the past three years we’ve watched our flagship store in Manahawkin become a beloved gathering spot for surfers, locals and tourists, all finding common ground within our brand and retail experience. We cannot wait to see this same energy flow through our Pier Village shop, making it a true coastal destination.”
