Editors, Vineyard Gazette;
After 46 years on Circuit avenue, Tom and I would like to add a few words to the Gazette’s recent story about the closing of Basics as we did not get a chance to comment prior to the article.
We don’t think of this as “calling it quits,” as the headline read, but rather as retiring after a remarkably long and rewarding run.
Most importantly, we want to deeply thank the generations of Islanders and visitors who have supported us. Their loyalty made those 46 years possible.
And we would especially like to thank our longtime landlords, whose kindness and generosity to us have been extraordinary.
We are also grateful to the many wonderful people who worked alongside us over the years and helped make Basics (and Eastaway) what they became.
We leave Circuit avenue with enormous gratitude for the community that allowed us to spend nearly half a century doing what we loved.
Laurie and Tom Welch
Founding Partners Basics Clothing Co., Eastaway Inc.
Oak Bluffs