In the mid 1970’s Davy Jones Locker claimed to have been the fastest growing hip clothing chain for guys and chicks. However it is nearly impossible to find any history about this unique retail store.
We do know that Davy Jones Locker was an outgrowth of the Merry-Go-Round concept. The company was looking to create another exciting and innovative approach to retailing. Inspired by the boiler rooms of steamships, the interiors followed a nautical motif. Lighter interior colors were used with more elaborate fixtures.
A shiny entrance contrasted the authentic maritime instruments that were taken from old ships broken down for scrap. Steel piping was used for the display racks and storeroom like bins held other merchandise. Imitation bulkheads were used to divide the store space just like compartments in a ship. And luminous bare bulbs hung inside metal guards reflecting onto the silver interior walls.
Stores were stocked with clothes that appeal to people in their twenties, with the emphasis on fashions that were just a bit more sophisticated than the Merry-Go-Round lines. Everything from jeans, to blazers and three-piece suits to formal gowns for the gals. Brand names such as Brittania, French Store, Male, Don Manuel and Jungue were stocked. Davy Jones Locker even carried shoes.
The first Davy Jones Locker open around 1972, just over three years after the first Merry-Go-Round store was opened. Unfortunately it is unclear why or when this division of stores was shuttered. I personally do not remember this store, although I wish I did. But I know there are many found memories from those of you who do.
I was the Assistant Manager of a Davey Jones Locker in Independence, MO in the late 1980’s. It was a whole 2 or 3 doors down from Merry Go-Round. Ah, such memories. CAH
I just found a bag in my attic from the store in Eastpoint mall, Baltimore Maryland
Seriously? I have never seen another Davy Jones bag any chance you can photograph it and email me?
Thanks!
I bought platform shoes that were wild colors there. I worked at Lerner’s in Eastpoint. They were the good days
There was a Davy Jones Locker at the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw Michigan.
I was a kid but I remember walking past the store.It I was fascinated by the ship motif.
I remember this store! I knew I’d seen one somewhere in the late 1970s when I lived in the area.
Davey Jones Locker was the ONLY place to find hip jeans that fit me as a junior in high school at Security Square Mall in Baltimore County, Maryland. This was before the”designer jeans,” craze of Calvin Kliens and Gloria Vanderbilts. I remember feeling sophisticated in my French labeled jeans and innovative for being ahead of the crowd. It was an amazing place to shop and although it was in a mall it always felt like a boutique.
I have found Davy Jones locker’s jacket in a second hand shop in Poland and it’s in a great condition. Do you think it could be worth selling it?
Cordova MALL 1971 !!!!!
My dear friend Jim Jones began working at Davy Jones while still in high school. He was SO talented and created beautiful displays. The store was located at Independence Center in Missouri. A huge part of me wishes we could go back in time!
There was a Davy Jones Locker in the mall I grew up going to, Washington Square Mall (Indianapolis, In) in the 70s early 80s. By the time I got a job in the mall (summer of 87) DJs Fashion Center had replaced it.. got all my IOU sweatshirts there, 2 for $20!!