Excruciating Woodwork Detail for British Chain in U.S.

BOSTON - Jack Wills University Outfitters chooses authentic historical buildings such as old pubs and town houses for its shops in its home base in the United Kingdom,

For its sixth store in New England, which opened in Chatham, MA this summer, Jack Wills  chose a landmark 1,700 square-foot building, commissioning builder and general contractor A&O Danner Companies of Plymouth, MA for the custom build-out and fit-up.

President Stephen Danner notes that his crew has become expert at meeting the retailer’s high standards, replicating the chain’s quaint and quirky British heritage and image, conveying the same quality image as Jack Wills’ clothing.

The choice of Chatham conforms to the company’s ‘Fabulously British’ motto and brand, as the town has a long history with England. The first English settlers came in 1656. As the Easternmost land on the East Coast, early on Chatham was a busy fishing and trading village.

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It also attracted British raids and harassment during the Revolutionary War. Located at the ‘elbow’ of Cape Cod, Chatham has only 6,600 year-round residents, but the population swells to 35,000 during the vacation and tourist season. This year marks the town’s 300th anniversary.

Danner says, “We are flattered that such a high-profile company continues to call on us again to meet their unique needs and high standards. We pride ourselves on expert workmanship and our work ethic - staying on schedule and on budget.”

He adds, “Working with an international company presents its own set of unique challenges. We have been able to match the look of each location to Jack Wills’ specific brand guidelines, custom specs, and meet tight time schedules despite many design-build variables.

"To see the kind of work we do, you can visit our website. But even better, visit any Jack Wills store in Massachusetts: Chatham, Edgartown, Boston (Newbury St.), and Nantucket, or in Greenwich and Westport, Connecticut.”