User:Zeta13

History
Vineyard Vines is an apparel and accessory retailer founded in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard by Shep and Ian Murray. In attempts to pursue the American Dream, the two brothers left their corporate jobs in New York City and started to sell neckties with the company’s headquarters located in Stamford, Connecticut.

Ian claims, “We started making neckties so we didn’t have to wear them” Their vision is all about having fun and living in colorful style. Inspired by the New England seaside life of kicking back at Martha’s Vineyard, the prints are playful, quirky, and creative. Shep and Ian started their business by selling ties in bars, on boats, and at the beach out of a backpack. Since then Shep and Ian have incorporated hats, shirts, shorts, and bags for men, women, and children.

Vineyard Vines operates over 600 retail locations and several outlets. Shep and Ian are always looking for the customers’ requests and in return, satisfying their needs.

Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, otherwise knows as “The Vineyard,” is an island off the coast of Massachusetts. The island earned its name around the 1600s by an English explorer, Bartholomew Gosnold. He gave the name to a smaller island nearby, and soon the name transferred over. The Vineyard is the third largest island on the East Coast of the U.S., and can only be reached by plane or boat. It began as a popular summer community, and still is, but more people have made it their permanent living headquarters as years have passed. The refreshing summer weather brings a crowd reaching over 100,000 people, while the year-round population is roughly 15,000. There are many well-known beaches and attractions to visit on the Vineyard, as well as popular annual events (4th of July parade/fireworks is their biggest event).

Common Customers
Vineyard Vines clothing and accessories are meant for anyone, including men, women, and children. However, lawyers, bankers, politicians, and business workers are attracted to the unique ties. There are also ties for Major League Baseball and National Football League fans who want to support their favorite teams.

Furthermore, Vineyard Vines includes a College Collection which consists of variety of over fifty totes (ladies’ handbags) and fifty different ties that are made for specific colleges. The colleges range from Boston all the way down to Florida along the West coast. Yet, other schools, such as Big Ten schools, are included as well as a means of displaying school spirit.

Similar Styles
Vineyard Vines is a fairly recent and up-and-coming brand that has skyrocketed since its 1998 start. There are a countless amount of brands that share the similar preppy, country-club style. They include:

•	J.Crew

•	Lilly Pulitzer

•	Polo Ralph Lauren

•	Tommy Hilfiger

•	Brooks Brothers

All of these brands were established before Vineyard Vines, but this company has grown into an over $60 million brand in under eleven years.