HB: Thanks for joining us and taking the time, Connor. Can you give us a little insight into your background? Where did you grow up and how did you become involved with Murray’s?
Thanks for having me! My name is Connor Soverino and I am the General Manager of Murray’s Toggery Shop on Nantucket. I was born and raised on the island and as a native I was introduced at a young age to the seasonality of our town and grew to truly love the ebbs and flows which ultimately brought me back and keeps me here today. My Murray’s career started more than 10 years ago as nothing more than a summer job, it was my love for fashion and sales that continued to bring me back year after year.
HB: Murray‘s has become a global institution by virtue of the people who summer on Nantucket and your very compelling social media accounts, but the shop, like the island, has humble beginnings... talk about the founding of Murray’s — who was Murray? What is the origin story of the shop?
Murray’s was founded in 1945 by Phillip Murray. Originally just a dry-goods store, the Murray’s Toggery Shop we know today wasn’t born until 1960 when Phillips son, Phil Murray, took over and introduced the Nantucket Red Canvas pants/shorts.
HB: How would you define “Nantucket style”? What are the roots and how has it evolved over time in your view?
I would say Nantucket style is ever changing but mostly coastal casual. I think as a blue collar island at heart, breathable and reliable garments that could translate from fishing on the south shore to having a drink on the cliff have always been popular. The island used to be filled with pastels, seersucker, critter pants, madras and topsiders, but today much like in the green grass space many of our customers are looking for pieces that can translate from shopping downtown, to the golf course to dinner and drinks by the water.
HB: It may be apocryphal but is it true that your Nantucket Reds are dragged behind a fishing boat to give them their unique patina? If not, what is the secret (if you can even speak of such matters)—a proper Nantucket Red is often imitated but never replicated. Those who know, know the genuine article when they see it.
As some people may have tried this or possibly taking a swim in their reds to expedite the fading process, I wouldn’t call it a common practice. Unfortunately, we keep the secret of the Reds close to our chest, but nowadays the come pre faded as we pre-wash them before they ever hit the shelf. The pants will continue to fade every time they’re washed as well.
HB: We noticed the back room full of Nantucket Reds. Do you see a lot of your shop visitors gravitate towards this corner of the store?
Yes, it’s definitely a focal point of the shop and has kept us in business all of these years. But like Holderness and Bourne, we have many brands that have followings of their own that keep our customers coming back!
