Esther And Bob Cooper - Finally Home

I first met Esther Cooper several months ago at her store, the Cooper Shoppe on the Groton side of downtown Mystic.  She was memorable for many reasons, but I mainly recall her fondness for the area, saying in a sunny tone that when she and her husband Bob moved here, they felt they had finally come home. 

Now, months later, enticed by Esther’s warm demeanor and a bit of information about the Coopers, I’ve returned to find out more.

The Coopers settled in North Stonington and opened the Cooper Shoppe 11 years ago, but traveled first, making pit stops in many towns in the U.S.

Fourty-one years ago, Ester, a twenty-something nurse from Pennsylvania, met Bob, from Buffalo, through common friends.  Bob was in the military and eventually, the two married and moved to Hartford to pursue work and enjoy New England for a while. 

“I always wanted come to Connecticut,” says Esther.  “The New England coastline and the seasons always charmed me.”

During the 70’s, Bob's work was the catalyst leading the duo on a string of destinations.  Maine was the first stop where Bob, with no building experience embarked upon building a post and beam, passive solar house which Ester described as “awesome”. 

Philadelphia and Georgia were the next destinations and after spending much time landlocked, the couple decided Connecticut’s coastline with four seasons and a small town feeling would be the next stop and ideal spot to raise a family and open a shop.

“I did a lot of sewing and Bob made belts, sandals and pocketbooks as a hobby.” Esther continues. "So we thought to open a leather shop, and then the store evolved from leather goods and outdoor wear to Tommy Bahama.” 

With a background in apparel manufacturing, Bob thought Mystic was the perfect place to open a business. 

“There was an opportunity for us to pick up quality brands that no one else was carrying,” he says.

Over time the Coopers have developed an avid following, mostly for their merchandise, and occasionally for their shop dogs, Mora the Portuguese Water Dog, followed by Maggie.  People specifically call to inquire about the dogs. Some stop in only if the furry friends are present.

One of the more memorable events for Esther was the story of a couple that came into the store one fall while shopping in Mystic on a first date.  The woman tried on and admired a beautiful leather jacket that her suitor then came back and purchased for her the following Valentine’s Day.   Eventually, they married and became good friends of the Coopers.

On days off, the Coopers enjoy country drives in their little red sports car, gardening and dining at restaurants from Sea Swirl to Bravo Bravo.

Whether working or playing, the Coopers have brought as much to the area as they’ve received. 

“This area is kind of magical,” says Esther. “This is where I feel I belong.”