![]() They bought a couple hundred-dollars worth of kites and told us to come down to the beach later and bring some fancy stunt kites to fly while they were shooting. The script called for people building sandcastles, surfing and flying kites. He told my friend Marty Ellwood and I they were shooting in the Beach Lodge and on the beach. Ralph recounted the time in 1996 when the prop master from the production company for (the movie) “Selena” came by the store. Finally, in April 2019, we were able to move into our wonderful new building which we lease from the Atkinson family.Ĭan you tell us a funny story about the shop? ![]() It took 10 months before we were able to open in Northgate Plaza in a 500 square feet spot. But we never doubted we would get the shop up and running again. We had tent sales in the parking lot during Spring Break and SandFest, we went to area markets, we sold stuff out of our house. This time when we came back our business was in ruins. We had evacuated four times previously (for other storms) and nothing happened. Ralph and Caitlin (daughter) started a tradition of their own three or four day vacation in early August when Caitlin was about 12.Īs everyone who was involved knows, Hurricane Harvey was an incredibly low point. We weren’t able to take family vacations like other families. Owning your own business is very hard work. What have been some low points of owning/running the shop? Driving around town and the beach seeing all the color and movement we add to Port Aransas. People telling us ours is the first stop every time they come to Port Aransas. Seeing families with children coming in because they had been there with their parents when they were young is amazing. The customer service and personal touch have been our way of doing business from the very beginning. We usually ask everyone where they are from and can usually find some common person or experience. The connections we have made with our customers have been the best part of the shop. What have been some highlights of owning/running the shop? The summers had always been busy but with the influx of new Winter Texans in Pioneer and other parks it became busy year round. Another big change was the opening of Pioneer RV Park. We were in that building until Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The square footage was a lot more and it allowed us to expand our inventory. It was a big change when we moved to our present location in 1997. The shop was originally in a small building at Avenue G and 10th Street. What has changed about the shop in the past 30 years (inventory, customers, the way you do business, etc.) We decided to take a chance, and here we are 30 years later. We had an eight-month old daughter and had only been married less than two years, so it was a big decision for our family. In the spring of 1991, she wanted to retire and asked us if we wanted to buy the shop. ![]() Ralph and two of his friends were sponsored as a competitive kite flying team by Spectra Sport kites through Jean’s store, which was called Fly It. When he moved back to Rockport he met Jean Yocum, who had a shop in Port Aransas. Ralph had started flying stunt kites in the Austin area where he lived before. We moved here from Rockport in 1992, about eight months after the shop opened. Where did you move to Port Aransas from and when did you move here? ![]() The Pyles responded to some questions about the history of their unique shop. Lots of kite stories and memories will be shared throughout the celebration. A drawing for a windsock will be held, and they’ll have some “today only” specials. To spice things up, customers will be able throw a dart at the dartboard for a discount on merchandise of up to 20 percent. when they’ll have cake, cookies and other goodies as well as water and non-alcoholic punch. Owners Suanne and Ralph Pyle invite customers to celebrate with them from 10 a.m. And, it’s kites were almost featured in the movie, “Selena.” In addition to being a Port A institution, the shop has been featured on the television series, Texas Country Reporter. The shop will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, July 17. Ave G, is one that has weathered those trends – and the weather – for 30 years. On this island of shifting sands and tourist attention spans, businesses tend to come and go, and those that can mark 30 or more years are due credit for hard work, developing the right product and customer service.įly-It! Kite Shop, at 405 W. Suanne and Ralph Pyle in their shop, Fly-It!, that sells so much more than kites, even though it is known by most folks as ‘the kite shop.’ The shop will celebrate its 30th anniversary under the Pyle’s ownership at an open house on Saturday, July 17.
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