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The Shipwreck Shop idea was born in the late sixties, when an American lawyer and his German born girlfriend shipwrecked in a heavy storm on the coast of the Caribbean Island of Antigua. The girlfriend got bored and started her 'shipwreck' shop, decorating it with the wreckage of the sailing yacht.

When the concept proved successful, the pair brought it to the Island of St. Maarten. They team up with local partners Reinier Heere and Lydia Heere-de Jager and opened the Shipwreck Shop in 1972. Over time, Rein, as his friends call him, and his wife bought out their partner and began developing the Shipwreck Shop as a leading retail force in the fledgling tourist trade of this Caribbean Paradise.

Shipwreck developed into a landmark on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, and it has become the "in" place for quality island clothing, souvenir items, gifts and now, the home of the Antilles Spice Clipper brand of Caribbean culinary delights.

Rein became a leader in the business community of this Caribbean community, serving on the Boards of many major business and civic organizations. He was involved in insurance, real estate, and wholesale distribution in St. Maarten. As an active Rotarian, he served as District Governor of the regional Rotary organization.

Today, the multi-store operation is still run by Rein and his wife, Lydia. There is hardly a resort or major hotel on either the French or Dutch side of this two country island that does not have a Shipwreck Shop serving the guests. Cruise ship passengers seldom miss the unique stores in Philipsburg and Marigot, identified by the life size Gorilla greeting them at the door.

Lord & Hunter was created as the upscale "premier" store in the operation and was chosen as the name of the recently established U.S. base for the continued expansion of the Shipwreck Enterprise. The name is derived from the English translation of the Dutch Family names of Heere (Lord) and De Jager (Hunter).

Come to our island paradise and visit one of our famous Shipwreck, Cabana, Boardwalk or Lord & Hunter stores.