Biz changes on Tisbury's Main Street
Recent changes on Vineyard Haven's Main Street offer shoppers some new options.
Bowl and Board held a grand opening last Thursday to celebrate a new partnership with Eco MV. The kick-off event included live music, food, wine, beer, tours, and more.
Bowl and Board, a retail store offering home goods, clothing, and gifts, has been a Vineyard Haven mainstay since it opened in 1972. With the downturn in the economy, owner Maria Metters decided to sublet part of the store to another business, to cut overhead.
The first business owner she decided to approach was Mark Martin, owner of Eco MV. Both business owners share the same vision for social and environmental responsibility, Ms. Metters said.
Located at 151 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, Eco MV researches, tests, and sells biodegradable, non-toxic, animal friendly products for personal care, home, and office.
"It's the perfect marriage," Ms. Metters said. "Mark has a product line that could benefit from more promotion and exposure, and I want to sublease part of my floor space. So we've merged Eco MV products throughout the store."
Bowl and Board will continue to carry its house wares staples, she added.
Mr. Martin said his new space at Bowl and Board allows him to move most of his retail business to one of the best spots in Vineyard Haven. He also is excited about starting up New England's first fair-trade flower boutique at the store.
A few doors down Main Street, business partners Beth Vages and Betsi Convery-Luce celebrated the grand opening of their new store, Tyler and Tallulah, on August 1, with free crowns for every princess, crafts, pink lemonade, and cookies.
Decorated with green and pink-striped walls topped off with a polka-dot ceiling, the cheerfully decorated store offers European clothing for girls, a boy's layette, and eclectic antiques. Ms. Convery-Luce formerly worked as a children's clothing designer.
Ms. Vages said the store has been in business for two years, but outgrew its former space in Edgartown. It is named after her daughter Tyler, age 6, and her Chihuahua, Tallulah.
Ms. Vages said in the near future, there will be children's events at the store on Wednesdays at 4 pm. Information will be available online at TylerandTallulah.com.
