For a quarter of a century, Basics Clothing Store has been a staple on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Islanders know that they can always go there for clothing needs.
As the name implies, Basics, is where you can get necessities. You can get guy’s Levi jeans there, crocs for the whole family, t-shirts, socks, etc.
Oh and since it’s spring, you can refresh your wardrobe with some amazing new pieces. Like the orange and white striped shirt on wall to the right of Erin.
However, in less than two months, you’ll be able to get a lot more than just the basics there. Basics is expanding. Owners Erin Tiernan and Laurie and Tom Welch are breaking through the back wall where the dressing rooms and children’s clothes can be found, and they’re taking over the space Edgartown National Bank used to occupy.
There’s just a wall currently separating the businesses. Actually, from the post office to Basics, used to be one large department store.
Edgartown National Bank is moving to its new location next month, where Oyster Bar used to be, at the end of Circuit Avenue. Erin, who is counting down the days, says they have a crew ready to go to connect the two spaces.
The owners have been looking for ways to expand for years, and they could not be more excited.
More Than the Basics
What’s in store for us shoppers? Well, the new space will be part of Basics, but stocked with things that are not so basic.
There will be a lot more fashion items and popular, slightly higher end brands. Erin is particularly excited about the new lines they’ll be carrying — a number of which she loves.
There will be Bed Stu shoes and accessories (found in Nordstrom as well), Frye Boots, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Synergy Organic Clothing, and Taylor Vintage.
These are just a few of the fresh, hip new brands that you’ll find in the new space. There will be some great new, fun options from brands that are a bit more exclusive.
Not to worry. Basics is still going to stock your favorites like Carters and Osh Kosh and Sketchers, but they’ll be able to have even more of the brands they’re known for.
Also, Basics will be keeping prices competitive, with most clothing under a $100, but you know shoes are a bit more. Now you’ll be able to get those basics for the kiddos and a little something fun for yourself.
Also, shopping at Basics won’t be interrupted too much, maybe a day or two of being closed when the wall is taken down.
Even then, you don’t have to worry because its sister store on the corner,which usually carries fun summer apparel, Eastaway, will be open and staff can get you what ever you need from the store while work is being done. Clever, they won’t even miss a beat.
The new space is going have a whole different look to go with these new brands. It’s going to be a bit more modern. Think exposed brink and large industrial lights. It’s going to be very cool. So hard to imagine since it’s current interior is what it is.
Also, it’s even going to have it’s own entrance. You’ll be able to enter through the new glass double door entrance next to Back Door Doughnuts.
This expansion is going to help solidify Basics’ commitment to the Island as a year-round business. With a staff upwardsofo 20 people, it is an important part of the Oak Bluffs economy. The store is going to be even more stocked with clothing and accessories for the whole family, giving us more of a reason to shop local.
Also, since the store is growing, Erin says they would love feedback from their customers. What brands would you like to see them carry? What would make you shop there even more. They want to make customers happy and serve the community as much as they can.
The new Basics comes at a perfect time since Oak Bluffs is working on beautifying downtown. With Basics, Phillips Hardware looking to renovate, the new Beetlebung coffee shop, the renovated Lampost and more, things are changing for better on Circuit Avenue. I am looking forward to seeing it all come together.
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As you may know, the annual Best of the Vineyard online voting is underway, and we’d love your votes for Best Real Estate Company in the Service section, and Best Charity Event the Teddy Bear Suite in the Events and Entertainment section.
Why don’t you have plus size clothes? It seems that there would be a market for them on the island. It’s very hard to shop on this island, and your XL or XXL is not PLUS
Thank you
Susan,
A great idea. I would contact Erin there – she’d be the one to speak with. Thank you for reading On Point.
Guinevere