If you are from or made your first trip to the Rock any time over the last five decades, you likely won’t remember a time when Bliss’ Department Store (186 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island) didn’t exist.
“It’s beautiful to know this business has stayed on for so long,” says Erika Johnson, whose husband, Matthew Johnson, is the third generation of the family to helm the shop. “[Matthew] grew up watching grandpa and mom and dad in the store and serving the community.”
But don’t call it a five-and-dime — this retail treasure trove was founded by Lenny Bliss Sr. in 1973, and offers housewares, a wide array of clothing and bathing suits, shoes, sunglasses, tons of kids’ games and toys, coolers, notions and toiletries along with hats, sweatshirts, tees and beach blankets.
It’s a must-stop if you’re ferrying over, but it’s also just got the kind of vibe that you don’t find that often anymore. Its broad picture windows and front sidewalk are neatly decorated with Shelter Island tees, casualwear, hats, beach chairs, hula hoops and all other manner of brightly colored items for fun in the sun. Inside, the tidy store is divided into multiple aisles and lined with wooden shelves, the top of which are filled with local antique keepsakes lovingly collected by Lenny Sr. and his son-in-law, Walter Johnson. Those aren’t for sale!
“The sentimental value behind this place is priceless,” says Erika. “Fifty percent of the people who walk in here say, ‘Wow, this is the same since I was a kid!’ — and you can’t put a price on that.”
Shelter Island T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats, $25 – $70
From kids’ tie-dye sweatshirts and cotton tees to modern rash-guard jerseys and all order of baseball hats, Bliss’ is the O.G. for wearable island swag.
Beach blankets, towels and chairs, $25 – $65
Thirsty towels and comfy chairs for a salty day at the shore? Check! But we particularly love the soft, giant sweatshirt towels. As big as a queen-size mattress, use them for a beach day or, come the cold weather, to cozy up with your sweetie around a fire pit, or even on the coach.
Vacation souvenirs, $3 – $20
No day trip or vacation is complete without the requisite keepsake magnet, mug, postcard or bumper sticker. Bliss’ has got it all, and many of the postcards feature Matthew’s original photography of beautiful spots around the Island.
Home décor, $15 – $65
Zhuzh up your home with Island-centric framed prints, rustic wooden signs and stretched canvas maps, or seaside-themed indoor-outdoor throw pillows.
