Moore & Giles Summers in Nantucket

by Christopher Blomquist
Moore & Giles' bags and Fiat
Moore & Giles’ bags and Fiat

Leather specialist Moore & Giles is testing the retail waters with a summer pop-up shop in Nantucket.

The Virginia-based company, which provides natural leather for a broad base of sectors from hotels to automakers and which has produced its own leather bag and accessories line since 2007, is currently a featured brand in the TownPool Shop, a new retail venture launched by TownPool, a Nantucket-focused digital network.

The store, located at Old South Wharf on the historic Massachusetts island, will be open through Labor Day. It sells Moore & Giles’ bags and accessories as well as products from other brands such as shirtmaker Faherty and Lemon and Line, which produces nautical-inspired bracelets and accessories.

Moore & Giles has moved its mint-condition 1966 Fiat 500, which has an interior that has been reupholstered with the brand’s leather, to the TownPool Shop for the summer.  The rare, classic car is often used in the brand’s photo shoots and for special promotions. It was given to the company as a thank-you present from its Italian tannery.

“Nantucket pairs well with our brand,” said Elizabeth Stroud, Moore & Giles’ vice president of bags and accessories, in a company statement. “We are thrilled to be included in the TownPool pop-up with like-minded brands and friends. The specialty-store community is focused on brands and craftsmanship that are made with heritage and quality in mind. The Nantucket mindset fits perfectly with our philosophy of introducing timeless and understated pieces. It is a perfect place for us to showcase our tried and true collection, as well as introduce pieces unique to TownPool.”