Ken Crooks has a corner all to himself, tucked away on Cedar Neck Road, north of Route 26. Crooks owns Treasure Island Fashions.
Coastal Point • DAN GRAYBILL:
Treasure Island Fashions has long been a staple of the community.
He had the idea to get into retail in the ’60s. He said he can remember growing up outside Philadelphia and going to Gimbel’s right before school started to get some clothes for the year. For him, it was always the big trip to look forward to and must have indicated an early interest in clothing.
Before working at Treasure Island, he was in the take-out food industry and liked retail. But clothing was his choice of pursuits.
Crooks was working for Ruth and Jake Hocker, who started the grocery store that adjoins Treasure Island, and he helped them get started in Ruth’s Casual Shop — now Treasure Island.
“I’ve been on my own for 34 years, and I’m really enjoying the business,” Crooks said.
Those three decades ago, the shop began selling mostly work clothes. But now the selection has branched out and includes men’s and women’s clothing, mostly catering to adults.
Crooks carries more than 15 brands of women’s clothing and some designer brands. In men’s clothing, Treasure Island carries many recognizable brands, including, Izod, Hagar, Arrow and Van Heusen.
And, right now, each of those items is on sale — anywhere from 20 to 50 percent off.
The store once had a big-and-tall section, but over the years it has dwindled. Still, Crooks has some apparel in sizes up to 3X, with shorts up to a 48 or 50 waist size. He said there are more stores in the area now and some of them specialize in big-and-tall apparel. So, Treasure Island has focused on variety.
“I think we have a better mix now than the past,” Crooks said. “Ladies are still the majority of our customers.”
Coastal Point • DAN GRAYBILL:
Ken Crooks has certainly found his calling with Treasure Island Fashions.
A lot of those ladies are repeat customers. And, accordingly, Crooks’ philosophy for his employees is not to hover over customers, to let them shop at their leisure.
While the store is off the beaten path for many resort visitors, the location isn’t a deterrent to customers either. When first starting out, Crooks said, he thought of closing in the winter, but over the years that idea has gone right out the window. Treasure Island now gets customers from surrounding states, as well as locals and seasonal visitors.
And moving the store’s location is not under consideration. Crooks had six stores in the ’80s, but over time has cut back to the one where he is now: the original Treasure Island.
“I am very content with one store,” he said.
Crooks also helped his parents with a store of their own.
His mother owned a shop in Bethany Beach for more than 13 years and enjoyed it as much as he enjoys his work now. She always went with him on buying trips — an aspect of the business that he says is still the most fun part of the job. Most of the trips he makes are to either New York or Atlantic City.
Store manager Kelly Blades has been with Treasure Island for years, and Crooks’ daughter is now home from college helping out.
“It’s nice to have people you can depend on,” Crooks said.
Crooks’ hope is that one of his kids will run the business someday, but he wants them to do what they want with their careers. So if they don’t seek to follow in his footsteps, that is OK with him.
“We will continue business and try to have what the customers want,” Crooks said.