(Feb. 13, 2015) Quiet Storm clothing retailer Bill Dreibelbis knows his lacrosse, which explains the theme of his new “Quiet Storm Surf & Turf’” in Fenwick Island.
“We’ve been doing the surf for a while and now were adding the turf,” he said.
Dreibelbis got married two years ago and both of his stepsons play lacrosse, which rekindled his former interests. He played the game in high school and college. From 1978 to 1985, Dreibelbis owned Athletes Choice shops in Baltimore, Annapolis, in the Columbia Mall and Towson, all of which carried lacrosse gear.
The newest store in Quiet Storm’s portfolio will be the first one to focus on lacrosse. But while it will carry major manufactures of lacrosse brands, it will not forget the operation’s roots.
Quiet Storm’s own line of surf products, including hats, sweatshirts, board shirts and T-shirts, will be sold in Fenwick Island along with Costa sunglasses and Salt Life clothing.
The store also will carry Nike brand shoes, running gear and yoga wear. Next fall, it might add some soccer products, he said.
Dreibelbis wanted to provide the surrounding community with products not found in the immediate area while not stepping on any of his neighboring businesses’ toes.
“We are 25 blocks from the rec fields. Kids can get up here during tournament time and it will be a lot easier than going to West Ocean City for their lacrosse equipment,” Dreibelbis said. “It was a shame no one opened a lacrosse store down here. It’s needed for sure.”
In October, Quiet Storm Surf & Turf took over the former home of Ruddo’s Golf Store at 101 Coastal Highway in Fenwick, made renovations the past couple months and officially opened last weekend.
“I used to live in Fenwick Island and always liked the location. It has a big awning out front and it sticks out, which makes the store noticeable from the highway,” Dreibelbis said.
Saving on sales tax was a big draw to Fenwick Island for Dreibelbis. People can save $50 on a couple hundred-dollar order, he said.
Quiet Storm has other locations in Ocean City and the Delaware beaches.
Their 32,000-square-foot store on the Ocean City Boardwalk at N. Division Street has about five times the selection of similar stores, Dreibelbis said.
The orginial store on 75th Street was named Summer Breeze when Dreibelbis bought it in 1983. He renamed Quiet Storm after he took over the brand in 1989.
In Rehoboth Beach, Quiet Storm has a 4,500-square-foot-store that is going through an expansion that will double its size.
Lacrosse season starts in March and Quiet Storm sponsors seven local boy’s teams throughout the spring.
“We have original product and quality items you can’t find anywhere else at a good value,” Dreibelbis said. “Come in and see us, we would love to talk about lacrosse or surfing.”
Quiet Storm Surf & Turf is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. On Sundays its hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit QuietStorm.com or call the store at 302-581-0122.
