Justin and Eloise Plyler opened The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove 1946. Over the years, The Gay Dolphin has grown into what is today the East Coast’s largest gift shop. With more than 35,000 square feet and 70,000 items ranging from shark’s teeth and shells to sarcophagus’ and Hummel figurines, there is something for everyone at The Gay Dolphin. Justin and Eloise’s son, Buz, continues to run the store today.
Origin of the name
The Gay Dolphin is a well-known gift shop and tourist attraction not only because of the vast collection souvenirs and gifts found inside, but also because of its unique name. In the early days, Justin loved to watch the ocean through his telescope, and would frequently see dolphins. He couldn’t help but notice how the dolphins always appeared to be smiling and happy. When he was trying to decide on a unique name for his store, he wanted something whimsical and nautical. He thought The Gay Dolphin was a perfect fit.
Fun Facts
Justin was one of the founders and second chairman (1952) of the Sun Fun Festival, an annual festival held the first weekend in June.
Plyler Park (the oceanfront park at the end of Mr. Joe White Avenue and Ocean Boulevard) is named after Justin.
Justin and Eloise also operated the Gay Dolphin Amusement Park, home of The Wild Mouse.
Justin and Eloise also operated three of Myrtle Beach’s original guest houses: The Tuck-Em Inn, The Coast Inn and The Just Inn.
Eloise’s family history in the Myrtle Beach area dates back to 1776.
Company Details
- Employees
- 15
- Founded
- -
- Address
- 916 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach,sc 29577,united States
- Industry
- Retail
- NAICS
-
Retail TradeMotor Vehicle and Parts DealersSporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, and Book StoresGeneral Merchandise StoresMiscellaneous Store RetailersNonstore RetailersProfessional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant WholesalersMiscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant WholesalersMiscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant WholesalersOther Motor Vehicle DealersAutomotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire StoresSporting Goods, Hobby, and Musical Instrument StoresDepartment StoresGeneral Merchandise Stores, including Warehouse Clubs and SupercentersOther Miscellaneous Store RetailersVending Machine OperatorsDirect Selling EstablishmentsRecreational Vehicle DealersMotorcycle, Boat, and Other Motor Vehicle DealersAutomotive Parts and Accessories StoresTire DealersSporting Goods StoresHobby, Toy, and Game StoresSewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods StoresPet and Pet Supplies StoresArt DealersManufactured (Mobile) Home DealersAll Other Miscellaneous Store RetailersFuel DealersOther Direct Selling EstablishmentsBoat DealersMotorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle DealersMusical Instrument and Supplies StoresWarehouse Clubs and SupercentersAll Other General Merchandise StoresTobacco StoresAll Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (except Tobacco Stores)
- Website
- http://www.gaydolphin.com
- Keywords
- Gifts, Seashells, Nautical, Jewelry, Hermit Crabs, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Venus Fly Traps, Collectibles, Souvenirs.
- HQ
- Myrtle Beach, SC
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove Questions
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove's website is http://www.gaydolphin.com
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove's LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaydolphin
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove has
15 employees.
View email and phone details for 15
employees at Gay Dolphin Gift Cove.
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove's industry is
Retail
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Gay Dolphin Gift Cove's categories are Retail
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove's founding year is 1946
