Vineyard Vines
 | |
| Private | |
| Founder | Ian and Shep Murray |
| Headquarters | Stamford, Connecticut, USA |
Number of locations | 40 Stores, 8 Outlets, 97 Retailers |
| Products | Clothing and accessories |
| Owner | Ian and Shep Murray |
| Slogan | Every day should feel this good |
| Website | Vineyard Vines |
Vineyard Vines is an American clothing and accessory retailer founded in 1998 near Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, by brothers Shep and Ian Murray. The brand markets high end ties, hats, belts, shirts, shorts, bags for men, women, and children. It has grown to a collection of retail stores and outlets across the United States. Their clothing is considered preppy.[1]
History
Ian and Shep Murray grew up in Connecticut and spent their summers on Martha's Vineyard. The brothers originally held jobs in New York City, but soon grew tired of the corporate lifestyle. Ian claims the duo “started making neckties so [they] didn’t have to wear them.” The brothers sold their neckties during summer weekends on Martha's Vineyard, selling from their boat or Jeep rather than a storefront. Initially, they offered four different styles of ties. When they sold 800 ties on a single weekend in July, Shep and Ian decided to quit their jobs to focus on the business. The Murray brothers claim that the business was founded through a philosophy of "living the good life." The company's startup capital was raised from the brothers' accrued credit card debt; Vineyard Vines still is owned outright by the two Murray brothers.[2]
Expansion
Since the summer of 1998, the Vineyard Vines company has expanded nationally, particularly along the East Coast. Vineyard Vines has opened numerous company, outlet, and retail stores. In addition to these traditional channels, Vineyard Vines has expanded its sales to online shoppers. The company also manufactures licensed college apparel which is sold primarily through campus stores. Vineyard Vines was placed on Inc. magazine's list of the 5000 fastest-growing businesses in the U.S. in 2007. Between 2004 and 2007, the relatively new company's revenue tripled. [3]
Stores
The first stores were opened in Northeastern locations associated with the sea such as Cape Cod. However, the company has expanded to more than 70 stores as well as 8 outlet locations in many U.S. states.[4]
References
- ↑ Maidenberg, Micah (27 May 2014). "Prepster clothing chain expands in Mag Mile move". Chicago Real Estate Daily (Crain's Chicago Business). Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ↑ Milford, Maureen (16 August 2015). "Whale war: Vineyard Vines, Rehoboth shop clash over logo". The News Journal. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
- ↑ "Vineyard Vines". Inc. 5000. Inc. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ↑ "What you need to know before going into business with family" (Video). Business Insider. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.