The Cricket Shop in Redfern Village has been on St. Simons Island for more than 30 years and has become firmly established as a premier island boutique for swim and resort wear. Today, the front door of the shop boasts a bright, bold, purple door and there’s a fresh and vibrant atmosphere inside while shoppers peruse the racks of swimsuits, resort wear, and upscale casual attire and accessories. The biggest change is the shift of ownership from Margaret Richburg to longtime store employee Margaret Burnsed. This ocean-loving lady is going to make a splash with her transformation of the store!
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Cricket Shop collage
As Margaret B explains, “I’ve been with the Cricket Shop on an ‘as needed’ basis for 11 years, so I feel very comfortable here. And I’m incredibly grateful for Margaret R who stayed around to guide me through this transition. She had originally planned on closing the store, but I’m so glad she decided to sell to me. This allows her to continue to be a part of what she loves so much, but to come and go as she pleases at her own pace. She has been good friend and leader through the process, and hopefully will continue to be.” She admits that the transition has had its comical moments. “I’m known in the store as ‘the other Margaret.’ It’s made things interesting while we’ve worked together when vendors ask for “Margaret,” and we have to ask, ‘Which one?’ And there’s occasionally some confusion with emails and purchase orders, etc. since I’m handling the accounts now.” That’s not the only mix-up with names, because Jo Anne and Joanne are the shop’s other employees. Luckily, they all handle it with good humor.
Margaret B is embracing her new role as owner with excitement. “I’ve enjoyed redoing the inside of the store. (Huge thanks to KJSB Consulting and Design for completing the big transformation so quickly!) I love going to the swim shows and apparel marts, meeting all the vendors and spending time with them. Most of all, deciding what to purchase for the store!” Swimwear will remain the core focus of the boutique, and she is incorporating some new designers with “edgier” suits for the strong, brave, and young at heart. She says, “I’m expecting pieces from Sunshine ’79 and Citrus this spring in the swimwear. These suits are geared more toward the younger ladies. The one-piece suits have bold colors and out of the norm cuts that will catch the attention of women of any age.”
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Cricket Shop apparel
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Margaret Burnsed, The Cricket Shop
Margaret is very proud of the new area of the store she created that is dedicated to her golf and active wear. It ranges from warm but light puffer vests to IBKÜL sun-protective cooling tops and skirts. She says, “The display has really made a difference in the store. It is fun to shop the room. There is a lot in stock and a size run of everything available at time of order. You can even practice your putt while in the room; we’ve got putters, balls, and a return provided for you! We don’t want you to get bored!” She hopes that this area will appeal to not only golfers, but those ladies who need tennis and pickle ball attire as well.
Margaret knows that spiffy casual apparel is always in demand here and wants her inventory to be stronger and more selective, so she has her eye on some new lines. Classics that will stay include the chic designs of Foxcroft and the gorgeous bohemian style of Gretchen Scott. The first deliveries have already come in from Kate Spade and Michael Kors. When it comes to swimsuits, Margaret says, “We will have them all! From Australia, Spain, our LaBlanca, Tommy, Miracle. I can’t name them all!”
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
The Cricket Shop Remodel
What Margaret assures us will stay the same is “the good old fashioned customer service.” She says, “Everyone that works here cares for our customers, and we do our best to make each day as pleasant as can be. We love to laugh and have fun with the ladies that come in here. We know that trying on clothes, swimsuits especially, can be stressful. They want privacy, honesty, and to be waited on with attention. That’s what the Cricket Shop provides.” She also explains, “Many women have ‘coverage issues’ including scars from mastectomy or breast surgery, abdominal surgery, or other reasons, and they aren’t comfortable talking about this with just anyone. We consistently hear from customers, ‘I was told I should come get my suit here, because you could help find the one I need.’ And we can, and we do.”
With the strong encouragement and support of her family, Margaret is helping the Cricket Shop find new life and hopefully drawing in new customers who realize that they can shop here year-round, not just during swimsuit season. She’s passionate about continuing to bring you all the swimwear for which the store is known, but excited to hear what else you’d like to see offered at the Cricket Shop. While Margaret carries everything from handmade jewelry to washable handbags, and beach hats to breathable golf attire, she knows the store shouldn’t try to be everything to everyone, but you can certainly find most everything you need to get you through a weekend on the island! So, when you’re in Redfern Village, stop by the store with the purple door, you never know what you might find—there’s more than just swim wear!
