Leisure time means Island Time
by Amy Claire
Jan 26, 2012 | 811 views | 0 0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Island Time co-owner Heather Travers displays some popular items in front of the store’s beautifully-painted door.<br><i>Photo by Amy Claire</i>
Island Time co-owner Heather Travers displays some popular items in front of the store’s beautifully-painted door.
Photo by Amy Claire
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Our East County Delta boasts its share of islands, but when you breeze through the doors of Island Time Apparel and Accessories Boutique in Discovery Bay, it’s clear that the “Island” in question has a distinctively tropical flavor.

Decorated with palm trees and parrots, Island Time sells clothing and gifts for island living, all in a comfortable, fun atmosphere for shopping. “We sell clothes that are island-themed,” said Heather Travers, who owns the store with her parents, Dave and Judy Travers.

The store offers clothing made with high-quality, breathable fabrics such as linen, which feels light on the body, or a bamboo-based fabric mixed with silk for a comfortably soft touch. The store’s offerings include attire for both everyday wear and for dressing up.

Olukai flip-flops ($65) are one of the most popular items in the store. “They’re designed to have memory foam over an arch support,” said Heather. “They feel like a shoe, but they’re a flip-flop.” She also mentioned the Christine Alexander line as one of her favorites. Encompassing everything from jeans to jackets, the items sell for between $40 and $120 and are decorated with the brand’s signature sparkles. “All their crystals are Swarovski crystals and they’re guaranteed for life.”

Tommy Bahama shirts ($130) are another popular seller. “We have one of the largest selections of panel-back Tommy Bahama shirts,” Heather said. The shirts are made of high-quality silk and embroidered in the back with beautiful, elaborate designs. Island Time tries to have a supply of every design available to stores. Of course, no trip to the islands is complete without sunglasses, and Island Time carries a wide range of Oakley, Ray-Ban and Maui Jim shades.

Open since October of 2007 under the name “Discovery on the Boardwalk,” the store is in the process of moving to a new location on the boardwalk and changing its name to “Island Time.”

The new location’s spacious deck area overlooking the Discovery Bay marina was especially attractive to Heather and her parents. Heather intends to set up chairs and tables so that customers can sit, eat, read the paper and enjoy themselves while other family members shop. The store’s grand re-opening will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

Heather grew up in an environment of business ownership and entrepreneurship. Her family owns several companies and bought the store as a way of diversifying their businesses. “I like the freedom to be creative and to be able to help the customers find exactly what they’re looking for,” said Heather, who handles most of the day-to-day business operations, and decorated the store with its tropical theme.

“I want shoppers to come in here and feel relaxed,” she said. “It puts people in a good mood.” The store’s focus on high-quality products and service has earned substantial community support. “Once we get people in the door, they’re usually very happy to come back. We have a lot of loyal customers.”

Island Time Apparel and Accessories Boutique, located at 5901 Marina Blvd., Suite 14 in Discovery Bay, is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Call 925-240-8607 or visit www.islandtimestore.com. Island Time is open during moving.
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