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100 years of history! Learn more about Puritan Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Life  /  June 2019 /

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner / Photographer: Dan Cutrona 

100 years of history! Learn more about Puritan Cape Cod.

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Cape Cod Life  /  June 2019 /

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner / Photographer: Dan Cutrona 

Earning the relationship is not just reserved for the customers. Each generation of the Penn family has shown the same commitment to their employees, with many having worked at Puritan for over 10, 20 or even 40-plus years. Rick confirms the unique relationship by saying, “We believe our customers are our friends and our employees are our family.”

“I’d rather make a friend than make a sale.”
– Abraham Penn,
founder, 1919

When discussing the fashion retail landscape, the Penns explain their diligence in their efforts to stay informed and learn what works. “We are fortunate to belong to a forum group of 12 stores across the country,” Jim says. “The forum is  like an outside Board of Directors,” adds Rick, “where we benchmark ourselves against merchandise, marketing and operations, and where we all learn from each other.

The buyers for the store, Julie Penn, Rick’s wife-, and Bob Harrison, who has been with Puritan for 44 years, perform a herculean task of identifying the unique and sophisticated look that Puritan has been able to build as a brand for years. Their selection of merchandise subtly evokes a cultured and refined foundation not evident in the styles and offerings found elsewhere on the Cape. In fact, the buying team travel throughout the year to experience the marketplace, and return with a carefully edited assortment that is in line with today’s latest trends, but curated for the Cape Cod customer.  For example, the “farm-to-table” trend found in the food industry is similarly echoed in the fashion industry. “People want to know where their jacket is from, or who the craftsman might be on a pair of shoes, or a belt. So it is important that we fully understand the roots and the story behind the pieces we offer,” explains Jim as Puritan’s lead merchant.

Julie Craven Wagner

Julie Craven Wagner began her experience with Cape Cod Life in 2010 when she joined the sales team after 10 years of working with local businesses on the Cape and Islands with WMVY. In addition to sales, she is the Associate Publisher/Editor of Cape Cod LIFE, Cape Cod HOME, and Cape Cod ART. Growing up on the Outer Cape has given her a unique perspective of life on Cape Cod, from tip to bridge, and that is reflected in her appreciation and presentation of stories found within the pages of our publications. Julie lives in North Falmouth with her husband, Eric, and their yellow lab, Enzo. When she finds free time, she enjoys her Cape Cod life sailing on Buzzards Bay, spending time on the beach in Wellfleet, or exploring Martha’s Vineyard.