Trader Fred’s new Vineyard Haven location houses more than just amazing deals
by Brittney Wright
Think about it: the first thing you do after picking up an item that has caught your eye in whatever store you may be shopping in, is check the price. In a dream world, the number on the tag would be even lower than our expectations, which makes you jump for joy and rush to the cash register, overjoyed at how astonishing it is that you just scored the ultimate deal. Whether you love shopping or not, one thing everyone can agree on is that there is a certain thrill in finding that ultimate deal; imagine coming across that one leftover shirt on the sale rack that’s just your size, or getting a deep discount on those shoes you’ve been wanting for forever. It feels so good you almost might want to give yourself a pat on the back.
Amongst the trove of upscale boutiques and quaint, but pricey, store fronts that dominate the shopping scene of so much of this island, there does exist that ‘dream world’ for those who want to flip over that price tag and see an affordable price, instead of getting sticker shock –– the island-famous Trader Fred’s in Vineyard Haven. While Trader Fred’s has always been known for deep discounts, the new Vineyard Haven location includes a unique feature –– an adjoining art gallery which also functions as a real estate office. Whether you’re dropping in to bargain hunt or searching for some seriously impressive art, this location offers a winning combination of shopping and a show.
“If you’re used to seeing a shirt at a speciality store for $45, we have it for $11,” says the one and only Trader Fred himself. And it’s true; Trader Fred’s newest location in Vineyard Haven places a bigger emphasis on clothing, and their selection includes many well-known brand names that are otherwise almost impossible to get on the island. Here you’ll find unique organic t-shirts, right next to the huge collection of footwear for both men and women, from sandals to Croc-like styles. There is an equally impressive display of sunglasses, ranging from the more stylish designs to funky colored frames. A trip to Martha’s Vineyard isn’t complete without that indispensable island souvenir; from t-shirts to stickers, Trader Fred’s has got you covered. In addition to clothing, this location carries a few beach essentials, like sunblock and beach towels. And best of all, it’s all at prices that won’t give you sticker shock.
Unique to the new Vineyard Haven location is an adjoining art gallery and real estate office. “Both require professional expertise, so they were a natural match,” says Trader Fred. And indeed they are. The gallery features many talented artists, including a few locals who you may or may not already know of; Nathan Sheppard, an incredible painter, and Brandon Fisher, a talented old-world style painter, are both local islanders who are featured in the space. Richard Dunbrack, who creates salvaged art sculptures that are both eye-catching and mind-bending in their intriguing designs, and his daughter Sydney, an artist who masterfully paints and sketches incredibly intricate and detailed pieces of art, are both locals who also have pieces in the gallery. Also housed inside the gallery are the offices of Jane Brown Real Estate Associates, who have been operating on the island since 1968.
This newest Vineyard Haven location is something we can’t wait to see more of; with prices that make you want to smile and seriously cool art, there isn’t any reason not to stop by. After flipping through racks and racks of brand-name clothing, at very non-brand-name clothing prices, you’ll want to give Trader Fred that pat on the back.
