Alex & Ani buying Wilson's of Wickford

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - Alex and Ani is expanding again, by purchasing another Rhode Island landmark.

The eco-friendly jewelry manufacturer is going to buy Wilson's of Wickford in North Kingstown.

The men's and women's clothing store will continue to be owned and operated by the Wilson family in about half of the first floor retail space.

Teas and Javas , Alex and Ani's new restaurant and cafe line, will occupy the remainder of the first floor.

This will be Teas and Javas third out of six planned locations. There is one located in Wayland Square in Providence and another one expected to open soon at Chapel View in Cranston, where Alex and Ani is headquartered.

Two weeks ago, Alex and Ani purchased Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton.

Last October, Wilson's of Wickford narrowly avoided a foreclosure auction.

The company had been in business for nearly 70 years, but had fallen on hard times.

Washington Trust planned an auction for the store. But the owners filed legal action to keep it in business.