Denim Blanket Company: Crafting Hospitality and American Tradition

Focus on All Things New England! [New England Focus] [Advertisement] Denim Blanket Company: A Journey of Hospitality and American Craftsmanship Sponsored by: [Addison Choate Inn]( [Logo]( [Two people in the back of a truck] Photo Credit: Denim Blanket Company It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and, in the case of Denim Blanket Company, this aphorism holds true. The story of this local, American Made blanket brand is one of vision, values, and, more than a little, perseverance. Opening The Addison Choate in Rockport In 2019, Courtney & Marshall Tulley set out on a path to achieve their dream of building a unique, fun and memorable hospitality company (not blankets- stay with me). With past experience in vacation rentals as their guide, the couple acquired and renovated the iconic Addison Choate Inn in Rockport, Massachusetts. [The Addison Choate Inn] Photo Credit: Addison Choate Inn The [Addison Choate]( was transformed into a luxurious, whimsical boutique staying experience with hospitality akin to welcoming friends into town for a long weekend. But, like many small businesses, Addison Choate had its wings clipped in 2020 as it was forced to shut down six months after opening to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Finding A New Path During Covid-19 The tourism business in Rockport, like many seasonal destinations across New England, is cyclical. In Rockport, busy season is May through October and then businesses try to sustain themselves through the long winter. Well, Covid hit right after the couple’s first winter. It was an anxious time due to the uncertainty surrounding the event. As Marshall wryly noted, “we thought we had analyzed the business from every angle, but somehow we failed to anticipate a pandemic.” [Denim Blanket company picnic basket and blanket] Photo Credit: Denim Blanket Company As the couple eagerly awaited an opportunity to reopen, they shifted their focus to digital retail because it seemed like a model that could succeed in the post pandemic world. According to Courtney, the couple wanted to “create a brand that was hospitality adjacent and could fit into their current business model.” That is when the couple considered blankets. It seemed perfectly intertwined with comfort & hospitality, plus the industry seemed wide open. “There were very few blanket brands we could even name aside from Pendleton,” said Marshall. The Birth of Denim Blanket Company The couple set out to create a new blanket line that was locally made, high quality, and that would not just become a part of disposable culture. [Denim Blanket Company – New Rockport, MA Shop]( Timeless style, superior craftsmanship, and American Made. Our blankets are built better. Shop our line of blankets, clothing, and home goods from local makers. [Learn More]( SPONSORED [A dog on a Blanket from Denim Blanket Company] Photo Credit: Denim Blanket Company The endeavor turned out to be no small task. In addition to iterating on the design, finding the right manufacturer was crucial to the success of the venture and the couple found this to be a significant challenge. “There is a lot of casual discussion about the downfall of American manufacturing but during this process it became crystal clear. We could hardly find any manufacturers in the US that could produce the product we envisioned,” said Courtney. They were eventually able to partner up with some American mills and sewing operations to create a high quality, stylish, and durable product that could stand the test of time. Maintaining a commitment to American manufacturing, particularly in textiles, makes operations more challenging but the couple’s commitment remains unwavering. Opening of The New Rockport MA Shop After initially launching the product and brand online, Courtney and Marshall learned of a vacancy in the heart of Rockport’s Dock Square and jumped at the opportunity. The shop space was fully redesigned by Courtney and reflects the brand’s support for American manufacturing and its coastal New England roots. [Inside the store] Photo Credit: Denim Blanket Company A visit to [Denim Blanket Company]( is sure to bring a smile to your face. With beautiful design, complimentary dog toys and treats (make sure to bring your furry friend with you), and even a bust of Abraham Lincoln. In addition to blankets, Denim Blanket Company partners with other local makers and almost exclusively sells products that are Made in America. According to Marshall, “It’s a part of our mission, and we are even in the process of building a foundation to give back and help encourage the rebirth of American manufacturing.” The couple has larger goals for the brand has made connections with other US manufacturers to start the process of developing DBC Wearables, a clothing line featuring shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and other stylish new outerwear. As the holiday season rolls around, Denim Blanket Company in Rockport, MA is a shop to keep on your short list. Denim Blanket Company 4 Dock Square Rockport, MA 01966 []( [300x250 AD -Denim Blanket Co]( SPONSORED [New England]( [TRAVEL]( [FOOD]( [LIVING]( [WEEKENDS WITH YANKEE TV]( [YANKEE MAGAZINE]( [SHOP]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( You received this email because you signed for updates from [NewEngland.com](. 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