Eagle Leather, one of the largest retailers of leather and motorcycle apparel in the Northwest, is opening a new store in Auburn.

“Indeed, Eagle Leather is flourishing even in today’s economy,” said owner Mike Toursal, “and we are very pleased to announce the grand opening of our second store at 1407 Auburn Way in Auburn.”

To commemorate the opening, Mayor Pete Lewis will gear up and ride out with a large group of motorcyclists to the new Eagle Leather store on Thursday.

The public is welcome to participate with festivities beginning at 8:30 a.m. in front of City Hall, 25 W. Main St. Coffee will be served and participants will have the chance to meet the mayor while motorcycles line up for the short police-escorted ride that will get started at 9:30.

For more information and to register, visit eagleleather.com.

“We are taking the opportunity to benefit the local American Legion Post,” Toursal said, “to let the community know how committed we are to supporting veterans and other important charitable organizations. We are hoping that motorcyclists who are passionate about our country come out and ride with us, make a small $10 donation to support the Auburn chapter and celebrate the opening of our new store.”

Those who make a $10 contribution between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. during the lineup at City Hall will receive an Eagle Leather T-shirt. The procession starts promptly at 9:30 and ends at Eagle Leather with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. After that, the doors to the new store will open to the public.

Eagle Leather has hired 15 new employees to help staff the 20,000-square-foot store of motorcycle apparel and accessories.

“We have what we think is the best selection of leathers – including jackets, pants, chaps and vests – helmets, armored and textile apparel, heated gear, gloves, footwear, luggage, eye wear, rain gear and other motorcycle accessories of any store in the Northwest,” Toursal said.

There is also a large assortment of clothing for the non-motorcycle enthusiast.

Toursal has been in the motorcycle apparel business for more tab 20 years and is the ultimate entrepreneur. He started out vending at motorcycle rallies around the country. He then opened a small store in Tacoma and gradually built his business to open his existing 22,000-square-foot location in Lakewood.

With the addition of the Auburn store, Eagle Leather now boasts more tab 40,000 square feet of riding apparel and has provided jobs for nearly 30 Washingtonians.

“Motorcycling is a standard for many people here in the Northwest,” Toursal said. “I certainly enjoy getting out on the road to enjoy the beauty and the sights here on the West Coast. And I am ultimately proud to be a part of such a vibrant and dynamic community.”

Regular business hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday,

Shopping also is available at eagleleather.com.