Ryan’s Beach Shop owners rebrand following move

Taking advantage of a move from the Boardwalk to Rehoboth Avenue, longtime downtown business Ryan’s Beach Shop has rebranded and is now The Beach Shop.

Emily Kirn, who co-owns the business with her parents Denise and Stan Kirn, said there were some expectations related to the type of stuff that would be for sale at the old location.

“We wanted to take the opportunity to totally rebrand the name, image and merchandise,” said Emily. “Turn it into a more year-round vibe. A place where someone can come anytime of year to get a gift.”

For decades, the business was located on the south end of the Boardwalk, between Wilmington and Delaware avenues. First, it was known as Ryan’s Gems and Junk. When the Kirns purchased the business in 1997, they renamed it Ryan’s Beach Shop.

The Kirns had already been thinking about relocating to Rehoboth Avenue, but the issue was forced when the landlord died, said Emily. The brother of the landlord wanted to sell it quickly and Zelky’s was interested, she said.

Emily grew up in the shop, but lived in New York City for more than a decade before returning to work with her parents two years ago.

“I was working the register at the age of 3 and instructing J-1 students on how to do things at 10,” she said.

A couple of months into the new location, the Kirns are still adjusting to the differences in customer traffic.

At the other location, there was a reasonable number of people to expect because of the beach and nearby Funland. Now, it’s a lot more dependent on the day of the week and the weather, Emily said.

The Beach Shop, 115 Rehoboth Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week through Labor Day. Hours will likely change in the fall and winter. For more information, go to thebeachshoprb.com, email hello@thebeachshoprb.com or call 302-752-7618.