History of Fresh Produce
It's a long way from Long Beach, California to Boulder, Colorado... or is it? Fresh Produce first sprouted in 1984 in Long Beach, selling silk-screened t-shirts in bright graphics and custom jewelry at the '84 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in the parking lot across the street from the coliseum. Over the years our concept has remained the same - to bring the emotions, the colors, the sensations, the leisure of beach life to every day life through fashion. It was, and is, the life of Thom and Mary Ellen Vernon, the dynamic husband and wife team that started the company and whose vision continues to inspire the Fresh Produce culture.
In 1986, Thom and Mary Ellen were brainstorming at The Spot, a famed La Jolla, California pub, looking for a company name that was catchy, memorable and evoked a sense of something different - and Fresh Produce was born. Soon, Mary Ellen's twin sister Jennifer Haney abandoned her day-job and joined her sister designing Fresh Produce clothing. Two years later, Fresh Produce started selling in Nordstrom department stores and by 1990, the beach life relocated lock, stock and sunscreen to Boulder, Colorado - home of the Rocky Mountain Ocean.
Now in its third decade, Fresh Produce has grown into a $50 million company with one of the most original, refreshing and captivating casual, resort and sportswear lines in America. Known and loved by women ages 6 months to 60-plus for lush colors, vibrant prints and casual style. Fresh Produce can be found in Nordstrom, Walt Disney resorts and stores, and more than 800 specialty boutiques and resort retailers. Plus, company-owned stores and factory outlets are scattered throughout the country, including exclusive seashore resorts in North America and the Caribbean. Click here to find a store near you.
Twenty-some years seems like a lifetime ago from the early years in from Long Beach, but then again, we still feel the sand between our toes.