Columnist Muriel Stevens: Browsing the goods at Ralph Jones Display

Long before closet accessory stores became the rage, there was Ralph Jones Display on East Charleston.

When the store opened in 1965, it was only for the display trade, but Ralph Jones and his wife/business partner, Dori, were more than happy to accommodate walk-in trade (today, selling retail is a large part of the business).

Before long, the small shop was bursting at the seams and the Jones family moved their thriving business to its present location. It wasn't too long before they were joined by son Hoot and his wife, Ginda, who now do all of the buying.

That was 25 years ago, and for us long-time Las Vegans, shopping at Ralph Jones Display is still a tradition.

Still hanging in my closets are specialty hangers that I purchased there in the '70s.

Walking through this interesting store takes time. There are so many shelves with so many items. I walked the store three times and found something new each time. There's so much to see here, it's easy to miss small treasures.

Thanks to Dori, I didn't miss much.

Of course, I had to visit the year-round Christmas room. While it's mainly Christmas merchandise, there is a wonderful selection of artificial flowers and fruits and other home decor.

Small Christmas lights, by the case, are always available.

Dori told me that they're still recovering from the annual day-after Christmas sale, when most items are marked down 50 percent. Long before the store opens, the line of customers waiting to get in snakes around the corner.

The original Jiffy clothes steamers that are found in such upscale catalogs as Hammacher Schlemmer are half the price here. Steaming is much easier on clothes than ironing. The regular size is $179.

Most closet stores have wire baskets and grids, but the ones at Ralph Jones are commercial weight, so they won't sag. Standards (which hold the clips that support shelves), in a variety of colors, make any shelf adjustable.

In addition to the selection of grids in all sizes, there are many accessories for grid or slot walls.

I was especially taken with metal slats that fit together like siding. The spaces between are where the hooks go. All of the grids and slots can be cut to size.

A package of 100 clear plastic, nonslip guards for hangers was under $10. These reusable guards are much sturdier than the usual foam, which easily tear.

A selection of clear plastic earring holders are sized to hold many pairs of clip-on or pierced earrings.

A 24-hole lipstick holder that can fit in a drawer or on a dressing table is just $6. Velvet-covered boards with easel backs and a row of metal hooks for hanging necklaces are just $4.95. These could be stacked flat in a drawer. It's a handy, inexpensive way to keep chains and necklaces from tangling.

Unlike the hanger guards, all of the jewelry accessories may be purchased individually. It would be so easy to customize your own jewelry drawers.

A store catalog is available upon request. The 1999 catalog is due any minute. Call before stopping by or request one by phone by calling 382-4398. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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