A pair of Lipscomb students who have worked hard to help get Vineyard Vines up and running is excited about Saturday’s grand opening.
“I am looking forward to seeing who all come and getting to know our customers better,” says Camille Yokley, a sophomore exercise science major sophomore from Huntsville, Ala.
Yokley and junior Liz Hartman, an English education major from Franklin, Tenn., are two of the store’s eight employees. Hartman has been a customer of the company for years.
“I like that we have a small staff– we all get along really well and have fun with each other,” said Hartman.
While the store opened its doors in the Hill Center of Green Hills earlier in February, the official grand opening was scheduled later so that the company’s founders could be present.
Vineyard Vines was created in 1998 by the Murray brothers, Shep and Ian. Originally corporate workers in New York City, the two decided to change pace and create a tie company on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard. The business that started out selling unique, preppy ties out of bags to people on the beach has flourished into a respected company that now has many more products than just ties.
Being home to one of only three locations in the south out of the 12 total retail locations is a whale of a treat for Nashville. Most of the stores are in the New England states such as New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, D.C. and Virginia. However, there is a store in Memphis, Tenn., and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., along with other outlet locations.
Hartman and Yokley both are full-time students and part-time employees at Vineyard Vines. Like many students, they must balance the time spent at school and at work. However, this job is fun and a part of the day that both say they look forward to.
“It is just a great quality product,” Hartman said. “It is well made and there is a big market for it in Nashville since our store is the only place you can buy the brand in town.”
Vineyard Vines products include clothes and accessories for men, women, boys and girls. The new Spring items may be a perfect addition to finish off your wardrobe for spring break or an outfit for Easter. While the Nashville location is still building up stock, all products can be found on the website, www.vineyardvines.com
The official grand opening will be from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. with refreshments and a few free gift items for those there to help celebrate.