This month we are spotlighting an incredible boutique, a retailer that has roots in both Cape Coral, FL and Hyannis, MA, and has one of the largest curated RSVLTS collections within both locations…the two, but the only: Islands.
What started as a triathlon, beach volleyball, and surf shop in 1989, under the name “Sports East”, the shop - founded by David & Sheila Stagman - also offered various “Aloha” button-downs and a plethora of Jimmy Buffett t-shirts. During that time, the couple would bounce to different Caribbean islands to go scuba diving every winter, and since that was the lifestyle they lived and loved, ultimately changed the shop name to Islands in 1997 in honor of their travels.
While both Islands locations currently sport a great selection of RSVLTS items, including both licensed and unlicensed gems, the origin between the collaboration features an incredible twist of fate, which started in 2020 at the Surf Expo in Orlando, and later due to the famous RSVLTS “Step Brothers - Road to Catalina” scavenger hunt.
“We had seen and been impressed with RSVLTS since we attended the annual Surf Expo, in particular the Great Hambino shirt, but never got around to placing an order,” said Islands founder, Dave Stagman. “Fast forward a few months, and one Saturday morning we started getting tons of calls from all over the country asking if we had the “Step Brothers - Road to Catalina” shirt in our store, because we somehow accidentally ended up on a RSVLTS retailer list and Insiders were on the hunt. Needless to say, the following Monday morning we became partners with RSVLTS. It’s been a ride, so much fun, and the people we’ve helped purchase RSVLTS gear have been the best we have encountered in our 34 years in business. Lots of new friends!
In addition to its vast collections of eclectic & traditional surf and weekend clothing, polarized sunglasses, sandals and other gear, Islands has always been a fun spot to visit, which also features a jukebox always jamming some classic tunes.
Above all, both locations strive to always provide great customer service with a sense of humor, and are grateful to have such loyal customers in both towns, including RSVLTS Insiders near and far.
Another initiative the Islands teams’ are passionate about is raising money every year for cancer research by donating all sticker sales to the Jimmy Fund. Every year, Sheila & David ride the 192 mile Pan Mass Challenge bike ride, from Sturbridge to Provincetown, MA, raising money for the Jimmy Fund and The Dana Farber Cancer Clinic. They started participating in 1988 and now their daughter, Summer, has joined them as well, riding in her sixth PMC.
So definitely swing by Islands the next time you're in either area, say what’s up to Dave & Sheila, and be sure to tell them RSVLTS sent ya! Also be sure to follow Islands on FB to get all the store’s latest and greatest updates as well.
