Bluffton, SC, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Spartina 449, a women’s accessories and apparel brand, will open a new 14,100-square-foot headquarters in Bluffton. This expansion is set to create 15 new jobs with an average wage of $40.71 per hour, supported by an economic development incentive agreement. Founded by Kay Stanley, the company employs around 140 people, with plans to consolidate operations for improved efficiency. The brand has evolved its product line significantly since its inception in 2009, focusing on beach-inspired styles and a collaborative design process.
Bluffton, SC – Spartina 449, a women’s accessories and apparel brand, is poised for significant growth with the announcement of a new 14,100-square-foot headquarters in Bluffton. The expansion is expected to create 15 new jobs with an average wage of $40.71 per hour. This initiative is supported by Bluffton through an economic development incentive agreement.
Founded by Kay Stanley, a talented artist with a background in journalism and design, Spartina 449 is currently employing around 140 individuals, with 40 based locally in Bluffton. The company plans to consolidate its operations, which are presently spread across three offices in Bluffton, into the newly built headquarters, aimed at improving efficiency and collaboration.
Stanley’s journey began in Kansas, where she overcame her mother’s reservations about pursuing a career in art. Despite initially enrolling in the journalism department at the University of Kansas, she took art electives and worked on her portfolio with guidance from her professors. This creative pursuit ultimately led her to a successful career as an art director, affirming her mother’s concerns unfounded.
Before establishing Spartina 449, Stanley spent time in advertising and founded K & Company in the mid-1990s, producing various paper products that gained national recognition. However, after selling K & Company and experiencing market fluctuations, she found inspiration in the beauty of Daufuskie Island and launched Spartina 449 in 2009.
Spartina 449’s product line initially consisted of handbags but has expanded to include jewelry and apparel over the last six years. The brand emphasizes a collaborative design process, with each garment reflecting the contributions of different artists. Design work begins nearly a year in advance of product launches, ensuring a steady flow of new offerings.
While the company originally produced all its products in China, there has been a shift, with most items now being manufactured in Sri Lanka and Peru, and 20% still produced in China. Spartina 449 employs an omnichannel retail approach, combining brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and wholesale sales, with e-commerce being the most significant revenue source, particularly in Florida.
Today, Spartina 449 operates 15 retail locations in high-traffic areas, including Old Town Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and others. The target customer profile tends to be high-income women with a preference for beach-inspired styles. The new headquarters is designed by architect W. Thomas Parker Jr. and aims for groundbreaking by October, representing a significant milestone for the local business landscape.
Future Aspirations
Stanley’s commitment to hiring talented individuals, particularly in design, patterns, and colors, underscores her dedication to fostering local talent within the community. As Spartina 449 continues to grow, the new headquarters is anticipated to enhance operational capabilities while supporting job creation in Bluffton.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters Size | 14,100 square feet |
| New Jobs Created | 15 |
| Average Wage of New Jobs | $40.71 per hour |
| Total Employees | Approximately 140 |
| Location of Employees in Bluffton | 40 |
| Retail Locations | 15 |
| Product Manufacturing | Majority in Sri Lanka, Peru, and 20% in China |
FAQs
What is Spartina 449?
Spartina 449 is a women’s accessories and apparel brand based in Bluffton, founded by Kay Stanley.
How many employees does Spartina 449 currently have?
Spartina 449 has around 140 employees, including 40 located in Bluffton.
What is the new headquarters’ size and purpose?
The new headquarters will be 14,100 square feet and aims to consolidate operations under one roof for improved efficiency.
How many new jobs will the expansion create?
The expansion will create 15 new jobs with an average wage of $40.71 per hour.
Where are Spartina 449’s products manufactured?
Originally, 100% of Spartina 449’s products were manufactured in China; currently, the majority is produced in Sri Lanka and Peru, with 20% still made in China.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton Town Council Approves Spartina 449 Headquarters and Infrastructure Developments
Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Honored in South Carolina
Hilton Head Gears Up for Busy Tax-Free Shopping Weekend
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Icon: 1-Year Anniversary Celebration of Elm St Businesses
- Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
- Bluffton Today: Conecta Business Expo Planned for Oct 11
- Google Search: Bluffton SC
- Savannah Business Journal: Society of Bluffton Artists Annual Show
- Google Scholar: Business Expo Bluffton
- Charleston Business: Workforce Training Center Near Bluffton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- WTOC: Okan Officially Opens Business in Bluffton
- Google News: Business Development in Bluffton
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
