The Waterfront Group of Companies has purchased the Vineyard Vines Bermuda partner store formerly operated by AS Cooper & Son Ltd.

Vineyard Vines, the lifestyle brand best known for its smiling pink whale logo, originally opened in Bermuda in July 2016.

The store at 27 Front Street closed its doors in March 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. The Waterfront Group said yesterday that it will reopen next Monday.

The Waterfront Group of Companies manages the Waterfront Properties Complex on Pitts Bay, Miles Market, Harry’s, Waterfront Wellness, PW Marine, The Waterfront Marina as well as Island House and Hawkins Island.

The group promised a fresh new assortment for men’s, women’s and kids’ products just in time for Black Friday and the holidays.

Will Cox, president of the Waterfront Group, said: “The Waterfront Group of Companies all come together to represent a lifestyle brand centred around living well.

“We have premier office space, residential accommodations, a gym and wellness centre, a restaurant and grocery store, as well as PW Marine and the Waterfront Marina.

“The only thing we were missing to date was a retail clothing line. That’s why, when the opportunity arose in July of this year, we were quick to realise that Vineyard Vines would be an ideal complement to our lifestyle brand.

“Vineyard vines was formed by two brothers from Martha’s Vineyard which has a very similar way of life to Bermuda, both being centred around island living.

“Much of the creative inspiration for the clothing design comes from coastal lifestyle of living near the sea and sand. The brand’s colours are a perfect match to Bermuda’s natural colour palette and the clothing line effuses quintessential island life.

“We are happy to have forged this partnership with such a successful clothing brand that fits so well not only within our group of companies but also the Bermuda landscape.”

Ian Murray, CEO and co-founder of Vineyard Vines, said: “We are excited to have partnered with the Waterfront Group of Companies and to reopen the Bermuda location. Bermuda is a very special place to us and we are grateful to be part of this community.

“Our brand was founded through a philosophy of ‘living the good life’, and Bermuda’s island living emulates this philosophy.

Shep Murray, CEO and co-founder of Vineyard Vines, said: “We look forward to continuing to share our ’Every day should feel this good’ motto with Bermuda residents and visitors alike.”

Store manager Arielle Falcao said: “Our management team has worked diligently over the last couple of months with the Vineyard Vines design team to create Bermuda-specific merchandise as well as outfit the store with an extensive holiday assortment.

“We reopen the doors on Monday, November 23 at 10am and then on the following Saturday, November 28, will celebrate the reopening with models on site showcasing some of our latest and greatest looks.

“We will also have steel pan entertainment and complimentary refreshments for our guests between 11:30am and 2:30pm, gifts with purchase and a draw to win a gift certificate for up to $500.”

• Vineyard Vines will be open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. For more information, call 278-3445