Vol 6 No. 26 - March
22, 2006
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Mister Roberts Resort Wear: an Island institution
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SUN PHOTO/LOUISE BOLGER
Left to right, Tena Roberts,
Signa R. Bouziane and Linda R. Clayton
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By
Louise Bolger
sun staff writer
If youre not familiar with Mister Roberts Resort
Wear in Holmes Beach, you must have just found your
way over the Anna Maria Bridge to our little Island.
Mister Roberts is virtually an Island institution, understandably
since it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month
and all 40 years have been at the same Island location.
R. G. Roberts, Jr. would be proud that the store he
and his wife, Tena, started in March 1966 is still going
strong. It is currently being run by their daughters,
Linda R. Clayton and Signa R. Bouziane, with the continued
moral support of their mother.
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Clayton and Bouzianes grandfather, R.G. Roberts,
Sr. was one of the co-founders of the Montgomery Department
Stores, well known in the area for many years. When their
father, R.G. Roberts, Jr. retired from his banking career,
he and his wife, who has been an Island resident for over
40 years, opened the store designed with a nautical theme.
Linda Clayton has been involved in the business on and
off since her parents opened the doors, eight years ago,
her sister joined the business, continuing the family
tradition. They and their three employees, Jane Bonneson,
Rosalee Moore and Jane Mann, skillfully sail the Mister
Roberts ship on a daily basis.
The stores inventory consists of great and comfy
clothing, beachwear and accessories for the island lifestyle,
including hats, bags, mens swimwear, sandals, and
jewelry. Men can even purchase ties and socks, although
I cant imagine they sell too many in our semi-tropical
paradise.
Some of the manufacturers you can find at Mister Roberts
for women are; Color Me Cotton, Koret, Key Lime Pie and
their new line from Jams World. For men; Weekender, Sportif,
Hook & Tackle, Luau, and Paradise Found
Mister Roberts Anniversary Sale starts March 22nd
and runs through the 24th. They look forward to seeing
all their repeat customers and hope to meet some new ones.
When I asked Tena Roberts how she felt about being in
business for 40 years, she said "we appreciate everyone
who has done business with us down through the years."
Prominently displayed at the front desk, is a vintage
photograph of the young and handsome R. G. Roberts, Jr.
in his Navy uniform. And if you havent guessed by
now, yes the name of store was inspired by the popular
1955 movie "Mister Roberts," but dont
worry Ensign Pulver is no where to be seen just
a whole lot of great sportswear.
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